Melitzanosalata is a Greek Eggplant Dip that’s made from roasted or charred eggplants, garlic, onions, olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley. It has a chunky consistency and is usually served as a mezze (appetizer) with either a pita or crusty bread. If you’re looking for full emersion, you can top it with some Kalamata olives for an extra punch of flavor.
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Baba ganoush is more like an eggplant hummus, made with tahini and lemon juice. Melitzanosalata, however, is much simpler and is creamier in texture. It lacks the distinct nutty flavor that baba ganoush has and celebrates the smoky flavor and tender texture of the eggplant.
Melitzanosalata served as a Mezze
In Greek restaurants and taverns, this appetizer round is usually presented as a Mezze (which literally means “small plates”) and is served on a table family-style, to share. In fact, dips like this one, are super popular throughout the Greek islands. Some other popular ones that you’ll typically find include:
I love them all!!! And because we’ve got an abundance of eggplants from the local farms on Long Island, I was inspired to share one of my favorites: Melitzanosalata – which is really an amazing Greek eggplant dish.
Below I’ll show you the ingredients and steps needed for this Greek eggplant dish. Mind you, this is not the full recipe but is intended to show you how this dish is done. In order to get exact measurements, ingredients, instructions, and nutritional information scroll down for the full printable recipe.
Steps to Making Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip)
- Preheat your oven to 425F;
- Puncture eggplants with a fork all over;
- Roast for about an hour, rotating them every 15 minutes;
- Remove from the oven and let them cool off;
- Once cooled enough to handle, remove the skins and place the flush in a colander for 15 minutes. Then move to your cutting board and roughly chop it;
- In the meantime, add garlic, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt & pepper, in a mini processor or a cup with a handheld blender, and process until smooth;
- Add eggplants into a bowl, mash them with a fork;
- Shred the onions directly into the bowl;
- Add freshly chopped parsley;
- Add dressing mixture and mix to combine;
- Chill for an hour and serve with some olives, crusty bread, or pita bread;
MELITZANOSALATA – Greek Roasted Eggplant Dip – Greek-Style Baba Ganoush
FAQ
What is melitzanosalata made of?
Do the Greeks eat baba ganoush?
What is the difference between baba ganoush and Baba Ghanouj?
What is another name for baba ganoush?
What is the difference between melitzanosalata and baba ghanoush?
Melitzanosalata is all about eggplant! It’s the focal point of the dish and is left in its basic form. On the other hand, Baba Ghanoush has a totally smoother texture as it is typically processed with a fair amount of tahini. Now don’t I’m not picking favorites here. I absolutely love them both, but you can totally taste the difference.
What is the difference between mutabal and baba ganoush?
While Mutabal recipe has only roasted eggplant, nutty tahini, olive oil, and raw garlic, Baba Ganoush has chopped tomato, pomegranate molasses, and herbs like mint and parsley added to it. This Middle Eastern eggplant dip recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free and can be easily made vegan. You can double or triple the recipe too.
Is there a difference between Baba Ganoush and Greek Eggplant Dip?
And if you ever wondered if there is, and what is the difference between them, then let me tell you there is. Baba Ganoush is made with the addition of tahini and usually smoked paprika as well. Also, a recipe for Greek Eggplant Dip usually calls for vinegar, Baba Ganoush is made with lemon juice.
What is baba ganoush made of?
Baba Ganoush is made with the addition of tahini and usually smoked paprika as well. Also, a recipe for Greek Eggplant Dip usually calls for vinegar, Baba Ganoush is made with lemon juice. There are many variations of this eggplant salad in Greece and here’s a list of ingredients that you can find in all the different recipes.