Roasted Vegetable Salad (Printable)

Hearty roasted vegetables served warm with fresh greens and a tangy balsamic drizzle.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds
02 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut 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. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss until vegetables are evenly coated.
03 - Spread vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.
04 - Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
05 - Arrange mixed greens on a large platter or individual plates, then top with warm or room-temperature roasted vegetables.
06 - Drizzle salad with the balsamic dressing. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and cheese if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The vegetables get sweet and slightly charred in the oven, tasting nothing like raw salad vegetables.
  • You can serve it warm, room temperature, or even chilled, which means it actually gets better as leftovers.
  • It's proof that vegetarian cooking doesn't mean missing out on depth of flavor or satisfaction.
02 -
  • Don't skip stirring the vegetables halfway through roasting—the ones on the edges brown faster and need a chance to move to the cooler center.
  • If your vinegar tastes too sharp in the dressing, it means you need more honey or a better quality balsamic; cheap vinegar never softens.
  • Roasted vegetables release water as they cool, so if you're making this ahead, don't dress the greens until you're about to serve—they'll wilt otherwise.
03 -
  • Toast your pine nuts or walnuts in a dry pan for just 2 to 3 minutes before adding them—it wakes up their flavor in a way that changes everything.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the components separate and assemble only when you're ready to eat, especially if the greens are delicate.
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