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The ideal starter is Greek eggplant salad! There are many different recipes for it; in Greek is known as melitzanosalata, depending on where you are. We present the traditional Santorini eggplant salad using the distinctive white eggplants that grow nearby.
Greek eggplant salad, also known as melitzanosalata, is a dip made with skin-on, grilled, or baked eggplants. The skin and seeds are removed once soft and thoroughly cooked, and the flesh is pureed.
Santorini White Eggplant
Santorini produces white eggplants as a product. Due to Santorini’s fertile volcanic soil and temperate weather, they may grow there. No need to de-bitter eggplants because of the sweet flavor that the volcanic soil gives them. White eggplants are what makes the Santorini Eggplant Salad unique throughout Greece.
They are sweet, have few seeds, and don’t soak up much oil when fried. In most of the island’s tavernas, you can discover several preparations of white eggplant.
Are you planning to visit Santorini island? Check our Santorini Food Tours!!
They are often planted in the late spring to get enough sunshine before the summer heat. They look odd because of their white tint and don’t require watering.
If you are traveling to Santorini, be sure to put white eggplants on your list of must-try foods!
Santorini Eggplant Salad Secrets – Melitzanosalata greek eggplant dip
Melitzanosalata is a traditional Greek eggplant dip that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with white eggplants, which are roasted and then pureed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. The resulting dip is smooth and creamy, with an irresistible delicate flavor. Melitzanosalata can be served as a Dip appetizer or as a side dish. It is also delicious on its own, spread on some crusty pita bread. This Greek eggplant dip will surely please your taste buds no matter how you enjoy it.
For a successful and delicious eggplant salad, choose mature and soft eggplants. Please don’t rush to cook them; ensure they are tender enough for a fork to pinch their flesh easily.
Don’t hold back on the olive oil. The eggplants need enough olive to give their full taste.
The eggplant salad is a perfect dish to accompany your ouzo or tsipouro. They are a popular meze that needs enough bread to dip in.
Ready to make them?
Melitzanosalata FAQ
What is eggplant salad made of?
Eggplant salad, also known as melitzanosalata, is a traditional Greek dish made from roasted or grilled eggplants, which are then mixed with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. The eggplants are usually mashed or pureed until they reach a smooth consistency, and then the other ingredients are added to the mixture.
What is the difference between baba ganoush and melitzanosalata?
Baba ganoush is a similar dish, but it has a different flavor profile and is made using slightly different ingredients. Baba ganoush is an Arabic dish made from roasted eggplants, tahini (a sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, and salt. It often also includes cumin and parsley. The use of tahini gives baba ganoush a nutty flavor and creamier texture than melitzanosalata.
Santorini Eggplant Salad AKA melitzanosalata Recipe
If you’re looking for a refreshing and healthy summer salad, you can’t go wrong with this Santorini food. This traditional Greek dish is made with locally grown white eggplants with a delicate, sweet flavor and creamy texture. Mixed with fresh herbs, tangy feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil, this salad perfectly accompanies grilled meats and seafood or is simply enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
- 2 white (or purple) cooked eggplants (please read below)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp spring onion
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- 50ml extra virgin Greek olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- salt & pepper
equipment
Instructions for the Santorini Eggplant Salad
Please come back the day after the live cooking class to read the instructions step-by-step.
- Preheat the oven to 200 C.
- Wash and dry the eggplant and stab it several times with a fork.
- Place them on an oven tray and bake for about 45 minutes while flipping them a couple of times.
White eggplant salad from Santorini is a must-try Santorini food for anyone visiting the island or looking for a delicious and healthy salad recipe. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to showcase Santorini’s cuisine’s fresh and vibrant ingredients.
Interested to know more about Santorini? We have compiled a thorough guide for Santorini.
Interested in more recipes from Santorini?
- The Top Santorini Recipes
- Santorini Fava
- Traditional Products from Santorini
- Traditional Dishes of Santorini
A team of foodies, cooks, and travelers. Alios Tours was founded out of our passion for Greek food. We share the delicious side of Greece.
