Roasted Vegetable Salad (Printer View)

Hearty salad featuring warm roasted vegetables and fresh mixed greens with a balsamic dressing.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds
02 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped into 1-inch pieces
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped into 1-inch pieces
04 - 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
05 - 1 small eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
06 - 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (thyme, oregano, basil blend)
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Greens

10 - 5 oz mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)

→ Dressing

11 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
15 - ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Garnish

17 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts
18 - Shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan)

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the vegetables evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
05 - Arrange salad greens on a serving platter or individual plates. Top with warm or room temperature roasted vegetables.
06 - Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad. Garnish with pine nuts and cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Warm roasted vegetables have an almost creamy texture that feels more indulgent than salad has any right to.
  • The tangy balsamic dressing cuts through the richness in a way that makes you want another forkful immediately.
02 -
  • Don't skip stirring halfway through roasting or your vegetables will caramelize unevenly and some will be soft while others stay firm.
  • The vegetables must roast long enough to actually brown at the edges because that's where all the flavor lives.
03 -
  • Don't wash your bell peppers until just before use because moisture on their skin prevents proper caramelization.
  • If your dressing breaks or separates, it's still delicious—just whisk it again before drizzling or embrace the rustic look and pour it over anyway.
Return