Healthy Recipe:
Dietitian's tip: Although spinach is a good source of iron and calcium, the oxalic acid in this vegetable prevents their absorption. Vitamin C can help reverse this. Eating this salad along with vitamin C-containing juice or fruit, such as oranges, can help improve absorption.
Serves 8
Ingredients
| For the vinaigrette |
| 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar |
| 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice |
| 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano or 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano |
| 1/2 teaspoon salt |
| 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper |
| 2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil |
| 1 large eggplant (aubergine), about 1 1/2 pounds, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes |
| 1 pound spinach, stemmed and torn into bite-sized pieces |
| 1 English (hothouse) cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced |
| 1 tomato, seeded and diced |
| 1/2 red onion, diced |
| 2 tablespoons pitted, chopped black Greek olives |
| 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese |
Directions
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 450 F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.
To make the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper. While whisking, slowly add the olive oil in a thin stream until emulsified. Set aside.
Spread the eggplant cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the eggplant with olive oil cooking spray. Roast for 10 minutes. Turn the cubes and roast until softened and lightly golden, 8 to 10 minutes longer. Set aside and let cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cucumber, tomato, onion and cooled eggplant. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to mix well and coat evenly. Divide the salad among individual plates. Sprinkle with the olives and feta. Serve immediately.