SPINACH SALAD WITH GRILLED EGGPLANT AND FETA

Spinach Salad with Grilled Eggplant and Feta image

Provided by Chris Schlesinger

Yield Serves 4 (main course) or 8 (first course or side dish)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons chopped marjoram or oregano
1 (1 1/4-pounds) eggplant, trimmed and cut into 8 (1-inch-thick) rounds
10 ounces baby spinach
1 cup crumbled feta (1/4 pound)
1/4 cup pine nuts (1 ounce), lightly toasted

Steps:

Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over hot charcoal (high heat for gas); see Grilling Procedure .
Whisk together oil, lemon juice, garlic, marjoram, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl.
Brush both sides of eggplant slices with some of dressing. Season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Oil grill rack, then grill eggplant, covered only if using a gas grill, turning occasionally, until tender, 12 to 15 minutes total. Cut into pieces.
Toss spinach with enough dressing to coat and season with salt and pepper. Add eggplant, feta, and pine nuts and toss again.