A rustic bowl filled with creamy Romanian aubergine salad (Salata de Vinete), garnished with fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes, served with slices of crusty bread on a wooden table with a traditional Romanian tablecloth in the background.

Romanian Aubergine Salad โ€“ Salata de Vinete Recipe

A traditional Romanian dish, Salata de Vinete is a creamy, smoky aubergine (eggplant) salad made with roasted aubergines, onions, and mayonnaise. Perfect as a spread for fresh bread, this simple yet delicious dish is a staple in Romanian cuisine.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Romanian
Servings 6 people
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 thin and long aubergines (eggplants)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 tbsp high-quality mayonnaise (or homemade)
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: Lemon juice for added freshness

Instructions
 

Roast the Aubergines:

  • On the Grill: Place the aubergines over an open flame or charcoal grill. Turn occasionally until the skin is blackened and charred (about 45-60 minutes).
  • In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 200ยฐC (400ยฐF) and bake on a lined tray for 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Pro Tip: Pierce the aubergines with a fork before roasting to prevent them from bursting.

Peel and Drain:

  • Remove the charred skin while the aubergines are still warm (use gloves if needed).
  • Place the peeled aubergines in a colander and drain for at least 2 hours to remove any bitterness.

Chop and Mix:

  • Finely chop the drained aubergine flesh.
  • In a bowl, mix the chopped aubergines with finely chopped onions, mayonnaise, and salt to taste.

Chill and Serve:

  • Refrigerate the salad for a few hours before servingโ€”it tastes best cold.
  • Serve spread over fresh bread.

Notes

A step-by-step visual guide to making Romanian aubergine salad (Salata de Vinete): roasting aubergines over an open flame, peeling and draining them, mixing with onions and mayonnaise, and serving the creamy salad with fresh bread and garnishes

A Taste of Home: Traditional Romanian Aubergine Salad ๐ŸŒฟ๐ŸŒฑ

Salata de Vinete, or Romanian Aubergine Salad, is a beloved dish that has been passed down through generations โค๏ธ. This creamy ๐Ÿพ๏ธ, smoky ๐ŸŒญ๏ธ spread holds a special place in Romanian cuisine, often bringing back memories ๐Ÿฅฐ of family gatherings and warm, home-cooked meals ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ. It is a dish frequently prepared in Romanian households, evoking nostalgia and tradition.
Even those who are not typically fans of aubergines ๐Ÿ† might find themselves pleasantly surprised by the irresistible flavor of this dish! With a rich, smoky taste ๐ŸŒญ๏ธ, a creamy texture ๐Ÿง, and a hint of sweetness from caramelized onions ๐Ÿง…, this Romanian classic remains simple yet delightful ๐Ÿฒ.

The Secret to the Best Romanian Aubergine Salad ๐ŸŽญ

The magic of Salata de Vinete lies in how the aubergines are roasted โœจ. The best way to achieve that authentic smoky taste is to roast them over an open flame ๐ŸŒŸ, preferably on a charcoal ๐ŸŒฟ or wood-burning grill ๐ŸŒฑ. If that is not an option, roasting them in the oven ๐Ÿ”ฌ is a good alternative.
For the best results, it is recommended to select long, slim aubergines ๐Ÿ† rather than short, fat ones, as they roast more evenly and have a better texture for the salad.
Traditionally, this salad is made with homemade mayonnaise ๐Ÿพ๏ธ from egg yolks, oil ๐ŸŒพ, and lemon juice ๐Ÿ‹. While this remains the authentic method, many choose to use high-quality store-bought mayonnaise to save time without compromising flavor ๐Ÿ˜‹.

Serving Ideas ๐Ÿž

Salata de Vinete is typically served family-style ๐Ÿค, placed in the center of the table with fresh bread ๐Ÿž for spreading.
๐ŸŒŸ Enhance the presentation!
  • Garnish with cherry tomato slices ๐Ÿ… or a sprinkle of fresh parsley ๐ŸŒฟ.
  • Traditionally, some prepare decorative patterns ๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ on the surface using a fork before serving, adding a personal touch to the presentation! ๐Ÿง

How to Store Aubergine Salad ๐Ÿ’ง

The aubergine salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge ๐ŸงŠ for up to 3 days. For longer storage, roasted, peeled, and drained aubergines ๐Ÿ† can be frozen in sealed bags ๐Ÿ’พ for months, making it easy to prepare this dish at any time! ๐Ÿ”

Final Thoughts ๐ŸŒŸ

This Romanian Aubergine Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ. Whether prepared using the traditional method or simplified with store-bought mayo, the result remains delicious!
Try making it and experience the authentic flavors of Romania! ๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿ‘Œ
More Romanian recipes
Keyword Aubergine Recipe, Aubergine Spread, Easy Spread Recipe, Eggplant Salad, Eggplant Spread, Romanian Aubergine Salad, Romanian recipes, Salata de Vinete, traditional Romanian food
Scroll to Top