Eggplant is a wonderfully versatile vegetable that shines in a wide array of lunch recipes.
From Mediterranean-inspired dishes like baba ganoush and eggplant parmesan to vibrant curries and hearty stews, eggplant’s unique texture and ability to absorb flavors make it a favorite ingredient for nutritious and delicious midday meals.
Whether you’re looking for light salads, comforting casseroles, or quick stir-fries, incorporating eggplant into your lunch menu adds variety, depth, and a satisfying plant-based boost.
In this article, we explore over 23 creative eggplant lunch recipes that will inspire your cooking and elevate your everyday meals.
23+ Delicious Eggplant Lunch Recipes to Try Today
Eggplant offers endless possibilities for creating flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying lunches.
The recipes featured here highlight eggplant’s adaptability across cuisines and cooking styles—from roasted and grilled to baked and stewed.
Whether you prefer bold spices, creamy textures, or fresh, vibrant salads, eggplant can be the star of your lunch plate.
Trying these diverse recipes will not only keep your meals exciting but also support a balanced and wholesome diet.
Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian-inspired lunch that features tender, breaded eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
This comforting dish is rich in flavor and perfect for those craving a hearty vegetarian meal.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, sliced
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Slice the eggplant and season with salt.
Dip slices in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Fry in olive oil until golden and crispy.
In a baking dish, layer fried eggplant with marinara sauce and cheese.
Bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Eggplant Parmesan offers a satisfying and flavorful lunch that combines crispy textures with savory tomato and cheese, making it a perfect vegetarian comfort food.
Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush is a smoky, creamy eggplant dip originating from the Middle East.
This versatile dish works as a light lunch when paired with fresh vegetables or pita bread, providing a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant
- Tahini
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and smoked paprika
Instructions:
Roast the eggplant until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
Scoop out the flesh and blend it with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
Season with salt and smoked paprika.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Baba Ganoush is a delicious and healthy lunch option that brings creamy texture and smoky flavors, perfect for those who enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and lighter meals.
Stuffed Eggplant
Stuffed Eggplant is a flavorful lunch dish where eggplants are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of vegetables, herbs, and sometimes ground meat or grains.
It’s a wholesome, hearty meal that showcases the eggplant’s rich taste.
Ingredients:
- Eggplants
- Onion, garlic, and bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Ground meat (optional)
- Fresh herbs like parsley and basil
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cut eggplants in half and scoop out the flesh.
Sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers, and the scooped eggplant flesh.
Mix with tomatoes, cooked rice or quinoa, herbs, and ground meat if using.
Stuff the mixture back into eggplant halves, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until tender.
Stuffed Eggplant is a nutritious and hearty lunch that combines rich flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish for a filling and wholesome meal.
Eggplant Stir Fry
Eggplant Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful lunch that combines tender eggplant with vibrant vegetables and a savory sauce.
This dish is perfect for a nutritious meal that’s both light and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, cubed
- Bell peppers, snap peas, and onions
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Add cubed eggplant and other vegetables, stir-frying until tender.
Pour in soy sauce, season with salt and pepper, and cook for a few more minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Eggplant Stir Fry is a vibrant and healthy lunch option that combines the silky texture of eggplant with fresh vegetables and bold Asian-inspired flavors.
Grilled Eggplant Sandwich
Grilled Eggplant Sandwich is a delicious and hearty lunch featuring smoky grilled eggplant slices paired with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a flavorful spread inside crusty bread.
It’s a satisfying vegetarian option packed with taste.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, sliced
- Olive oil
- Garlic or herb spread
- Lettuce or spinach
- Tomato slices
- Whole grain or ciabatta bread
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Brush eggplant slices with olive oil, season, and grill until tender and slightly charred.
Spread garlic or herb spread on the bread, layer with grilled eggplant, fresh greens, and tomato slices.
Assemble the sandwich and serve immediately.
This grilled eggplant sandwich offers a smoky, fresh, and satisfying lunch that’s perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal on the go.
Eggplant and Chickpea Curry
Eggplant and Chickpea Curry is a hearty and aromatic lunch dish where eggplant and chickpeas are simmered in a spiced tomato-based curry sauce.
It’s a comforting and nutritious option that pairs well with rice or flatbread.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, cubed
- Cooked chickpeas
- Onion, garlic, and ginger
- Tomatoes or tomato puree
- Curry powder or garam masala
- Coconut milk (optional)
- Fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until soft.
Add curry powder and tomatoes, cooking until fragrant.
Stir in eggplant and chickpeas, adding coconut milk if desired.
Simmer until eggplant is tender and the sauce thickens.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
This curry is a flavorful and filling lunch option that combines the creaminess of eggplant with the protein of chickpeas in a fragrant, warming sauce.
Eggplant Rollatini
Eggplant Rollatini features thin slices of eggplant rolled around a savory cheese filling, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella.
This elegant dish makes for a delicious, satisfying lunch that’s perfect for a meatless meal.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, sliced thin lengthwise
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Spinach, chopped
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic and herbs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Lightly salt eggplant slices and let them sit to remove moisture, then pat dry. Sauté or grill slices until soft.
Mix ricotta, spinach, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Spread filling on each slice and roll up.
Place rolls in a baking dish with marinara sauce, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Eggplant Rollatini offers a rich, creamy, and comforting lunch option that blends tender eggplant with cheesy goodness and flavorful tomato sauce.
Moroccan Eggplant Stew
Moroccan Eggplant Stew is a fragrant, spiced vegetable stew featuring eggplant, tomatoes, and chickpeas simmered with warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and coriander.
It’s a hearty, nutritious lunch that’s full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, cubed
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Chickpeas, cooked
- Onion and garlic
- Ground cumin, cinnamon, coriander
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
Add spices and cook until fragrant. Stir in eggplant, tomatoes, and chickpeas.
Simmer gently until eggplant is tender and flavors meld.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
This stew is a warm, flavorful lunch choice that offers a wonderful balance of spices and hearty vegetables, perfect for a comforting midday meal.
Eggplant Caponata
Eggplant Caponata is a classic Sicilian sweet and sour vegetable relish featuring eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers.
Served warm or cold, it’s a versatile lunch dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, diced
- Tomatoes
- Olives
- Capers
- Onion and celery
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Sugar
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cook diced eggplant in olive oil until golden.
Sauté onions and celery, then add tomatoes, olives, capers, vinegar, and sugar.
Combine with eggplant and simmer until thickened.
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
Eggplant Caponata is a tangy, savory lunch option that delivers complex flavors and pairs beautifully with bread, making it a perfect light and satisfying meal.
Roasted Eggplant Salad
Roasted Eggplant Salad is a fresh and flavorful lunch option featuring tender, caramelized eggplant chunks tossed with vibrant vegetables and a tangy dressing.
It’s a light yet satisfying dish perfect for warm days or meal prep.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, cubed
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or mint
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Toss eggplant cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until golden and tender.
In a bowl, combine roasted eggplant with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and herbs.
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic to make a dressing, then toss with the salad before serving.
This roasted eggplant salad offers a refreshing balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, nutritious lunch.
Eggplant and Lentil Stew
Eggplant and Lentil Stew is a hearty and wholesome lunch dish that combines tender eggplant with protein-rich lentils simmered in a spiced tomato broth.
It’s nourishing and comforting, perfect for a fulfilling midday meal.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, diced
- Brown or green lentils
- Onion and garlic
- Tomatoes or tomato puree
- Ground cumin and coriander
- Vegetable broth
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
Add spices, diced eggplant, lentils, tomatoes, and broth.
Simmer gently until lentils are cooked and eggplant is tender.
Adjust seasoning before serving.
This stew is a delicious and nutrient-dense lunch option that combines the earthiness of lentils with the richness of eggplant in a flavorful, comforting sauce.
Eggplant and Feta Wrap
Eggplant and Feta Wrap is a quick and tasty lunch idea featuring roasted eggplant paired with creamy feta cheese, fresh greens, and a tangy dressing, all wrapped in a soft tortilla or flatbread.
It’s perfect for a light and portable meal.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, sliced and roasted
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Mixed salad greens
- Cucumber slices
- Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce
- Whole wheat tortilla or flatbread
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Roast eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.
Spread yogurt or tzatziki on the tortilla, layer with roasted eggplant, greens, cucumber, and feta cheese.
Roll up tightly and serve.
This wrap combines creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors for a balanced and satisfying lunch that’s easy to prepare and enjoy anywhere.
Eggplant Lasagna
Eggplant Lasagna is a hearty and delicious lunch that swaps traditional pasta with thin slices of roasted eggplant, layered with rich tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs.
It’s a satisfying vegetarian dish full of flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, sliced thin
- Marinara sauce
- Ricotta and mozzarella cheese
- Garlic and basil
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Roast eggplant slices until tender.
In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, roasted eggplant, ricotta, and mozzarella, repeating until ingredients are used.
Bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Eggplant Lasagna delivers a comforting and cheesy lunch option that’s both nutritious and flavorful, perfect for a filling midday meal.
Spicy Eggplant Stir Fry
Spicy Eggplant Stir Fry is a quick and vibrant lunch dish featuring tender eggplant cooked with chili paste, garlic, and soy sauce for a bold, savory flavor.
It’s perfect for spice lovers seeking a nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, cubed
- Garlic and ginger
- Chili paste or fresh chilies
- Soy sauce
- Green onions
- Sesame oil
Instructions:
Heat sesame oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Add eggplant and chili paste, cooking until tender.
Stir in soy sauce and green onions.
Serve hot with rice or noodles.
This stir fry offers a spicy, flavorful lunch that combines tender eggplant with aromatic seasonings, delivering a satisfying punch of heat and umami.
Eggplant and Tomato Pasta
Eggplant and Tomato Pasta is a simple yet delicious lunch featuring roasted eggplant chunks tossed with a fresh tomato sauce and pasta.
It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for vegetarians.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, cubed and roasted
- Pasta of choice
- Tomatoes or marinara sauce
- Garlic and onion
- Olive oil
- Basil and Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Cook pasta until al dente.
Sauté garlic and onion, add tomatoes to make a sauce.
Toss in roasted eggplant and cooked pasta. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
Top with Parmesan before serving.
This pasta dish is a comforting and nutritious lunch that highlights the rich flavors of eggplant and tomatoes in a simple, easy-to-make meal.
Eggplant Moussaka
Eggplant Moussaka is a traditional Mediterranean casserole layering roasted eggplant, spiced meat sauce (or lentils for a vegetarian version), and creamy béchamel sauce.
It’s a rich, comforting lunch perfect for those who enjoy hearty and flavorful dishes.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, sliced and roasted
- Ground beef or lentils
- Onion, garlic, and tomatoes
- Cinnamon and allspice
- Béchamel sauce (milk, butter, flour)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the meat or lentil sauce by sautéing onions and garlic, adding ground beef or lentils, tomatoes, and spices.
Layer roasted eggplant and sauce in a baking dish, top with béchamel, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Eggplant Moussaka is a satisfying and flavorful lunch that combines tender eggplant with aromatic spices and creamy sauce, making it a true comfort food classic.
Grilled Eggplant Salad
Grilled Eggplant Salad is a light and refreshing lunch featuring smoky grilled eggplant slices tossed with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
It’s perfect for warm days or a nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh parsley and mint
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Grill eggplant slices until tender and charred.
Toss with halved cherry tomatoes, chopped herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
This salad offers a vibrant and healthy lunch option that highlights the smoky flavor of grilled eggplant paired with fresh, zesty ingredients.
Eggplant and Mozzarella Panini
Eggplant and Mozzarella Panini is a warm and satisfying sandwich with grilled eggplant, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil pressed between crispy bread.
It’s a delicious lunch perfect for a quick yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, sliced and grilled
- Fresh mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves
- Ciabatta or focaccia bread
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Brush bread with olive oil, layer with grilled eggplant, mozzarella, and basil.
Press in a panini maker or grill pan until bread is crisp and cheese melts.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
This panini offers a perfect combination of smoky eggplant, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs, making it a delicious and comforting lunch choice.
Eggplant and Goat Cheese Tart
Eggplant and Goat Cheese Tart is a savory, flaky pastry filled with roasted eggplant and creamy goat cheese.
It makes an elegant and satisfying lunch that combines rich textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- Puff pastry
- Eggplant, roasted and diced
- Goat cheese
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven and roll out puff pastry.
Spread roasted eggplant over the pastry, dot with goat cheese, and sprinkle herbs, salt, and pepper.
Bake until pastry is golden and crisp.
This tart offers a delightful combination of flaky crust, tender eggplant, and tangy cheese, perfect for a flavorful and upscale lunch.
Eggplant Curry
Eggplant Curry is a warm and aromatic dish where eggplant is cooked in a rich, spiced coconut milk sauce.
It’s a comforting and hearty lunch option packed with bold flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, cubed
- Onion, garlic, and ginger
- Curry powder or paste
- Coconut milk
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add curry powder and tomatoes.
Stir in eggplant cubes and coconut milk, simmer until eggplant is tender and sauce thickens. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Eggplant Curry is a delicious and nourishing lunch that delivers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and wholesome vegetables.
Eggplant and Chickpea Salad
Eggplant and Chickpea Salad is a protein-rich, Mediterranean-inspired lunch that combines roasted eggplant with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing.
It’s light, nutritious, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, roasted and diced
- Cooked chickpeas
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Parsley and mint
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Toss roasted eggplant, chickpeas, red onion, and herbs in a bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
Mix well and serve chilled or at room temperature.
This salad is a refreshing and filling lunch option that combines earthy eggplant and protein-packed chickpeas with bright, fresh flavors.
Eggplant and Lentil Salad
Eggplant and Lentil Salad is a hearty and nutritious lunch option combining roasted eggplant with protein-rich lentils, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing.
It’s a perfect dish for those looking for a filling yet light meal.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, roasted and diced
- Cooked lentils
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley and mint
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Mix roasted eggplant, cooked lentils, tomatoes, and red onion in a bowl.
Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make a dressing, then toss with the salad.
Garnish with chopped herbs before serving.
This salad offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors, delivering plant-based protein and fiber in a fresh, vibrant meal.
Eggplant and Tomato Gratin
Eggplant and Tomato Gratin is a delicious baked dish featuring layers of tender eggplant and ripe tomatoes topped with breadcrumbs and cheese. It’s a flavorful, wholesome lunch that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, sliced
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Garlic and onion
- Olive oil
- Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Layer eggplant and tomato slices in a baking dish with garlic and onion.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
Bake until golden and bubbling. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
This gratin is a comforting and tasty lunch choice, combining the richness of eggplant and tomatoes with a crispy, cheesy topping.
Conclusion
Exploring the rich variety of eggplant lunch recipes opens the door to healthier and more flavorful meal options. Eggplant’s meaty texture and ability to soak up seasonings make it perfect for both simple and elaborate dishes that nourish and delight. By adding these recipes to your repertoire, you can enjoy lunches that are satisfying, nutritious, and packed with vibrant flavors. Embrace the versatility of eggplant and transform your midday meals into something truly special.
