Roasted Vegetable Salad (Printable)

Warm roasted vegetables layered on fresh greens finished with a tangy balsamic dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds
02 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped into 1-inch pieces
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped into 1-inch pieces
04 - 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
05 - 1 small eggplant, diced into 1-inch cubes
06 - 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1 tsp 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 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
13 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
14 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
15 - ½ tsp honey or maple syrup
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Garnish

17 - 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts
18 - Shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring midway, 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 fully emulsified.
05 - Spread the mixed greens on a serving platter or individual plates, top with roasted vegetables, and drizzle with the dressing.
06 - Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and cheese if desired, then serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The vegetables caramelize just enough to taste almost sweet, which somehow makes you crave salad instead of resisting it.
  • It's genuinely flexible—roast whatever you have on hand and nobody will know it wasn't planned that way.
  • The warm-then-cool quality means you can make it ahead and it actually tastes better as it sits.
02 -
  • Don't crowd the baking sheet or your vegetables will steam instead of caramelize—use two pans if you have to.
  • The dressing tastes better when the vinegar and oil have a moment to sit together; make it while the vegetables roast and let it rest.
  • Serve this right away if you want warm vegetables, or let everything cool to room temperature for a completely different but equally delicious version.
03 -
  • Pat your vegetables dry before tossing with oil—any moisture on the surface creates steam and keeps them from caramelizing properly.
  • If your pan feels crowded, use two sheets instead of trying to fit everything on one; this is non-negotiable if you want that golden finish.
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