Eggplant Caprese Salad Recipes

Steps:

• Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Or, prepare a charcoal grill with hot coals or set a gas grill to medium-high heat.
• Brush the eggplant slices generously with olive oil on both sides, sprinkle with salt and pepper and grill until charred on the outside and soft on the inside, 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Set aside and allow to cool slightly.
• On a large rectangular platter, layer the tomatoes, mozzarella, eggplant and basil in diagonal rows. Drizzle generously with vinegar and olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Serve at room temperature.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F
• Slice the eggplant and tomatoes crosswise into 1/2 inch pieces.
• Place 8 eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray.
• Set the tomatoes aside.
• In a small bowl combine the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Brush the mixture over the eggplant and tomato slices, then set the remainder aside.
• Bake the eggplant slices for about 10 minutes.
• Turn them over, brush with more of the olive-oil mixture, then bake for another 10 minutes; set aside.
• Place the tomatoes on the same baking sheet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they're soft.
• Place a slice of cooked eggplant on a work surface. Top with a tomato slice, a basil leaf, a slice of mozzarella, a tomato slice, another slice of cheese, then a basil leaf. Finish the stack with a slice of eggplant.
• Repeat to make three more stacks.
• When ready to serve return the stacks to the oven for about 5 minutes to reheat and melt the cheese.
• Top each with a drizzle of the remaining olive-oil mixture and a fresh basil leaf.

Steps:

• Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Arrange eggplant slices on baking sheet. Brush both sides with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until slightly charred and tender, turning occasionally and moving to cook evenly, about 5 minutes. Transfer to foil-lined baking sheet. Grill plum tomato until skin is charred and split, turning often, about 5 minutes. Transfer to sheet with eggplant and cool. Core plum tomato; place in blender. Add chopped basil, vinegar, and 1/4 cup oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to small bowl. DO AHEAD Eggplant and dressing can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Overlap eggplant slices, cheese slices, and heirloom tomato slices on individual plates or large platter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle salad with dressing and garnish with basil sprigs.