The Best Grilled Eggplant Recipe

This grilled eggplant with chimichurri sauce is a perfect side dish for a summer barbecue that gets gobbled up in no time! Grilled to perfection then drizzled with tangy, garlicky chimichurri sauce. This easy recipe is paleo, vegan, Whole30, and keto-friendly!

What Makes This Recipe Great

I’m a firm believer that vegetables taste way better on the grill (like this grilled zucchini), and these delicious Grilled Eggplant slices are no exception. The flavors are fantastic, they are incredibly easy, and so quick to prepare! 

Plus, the nice grill marks make the veggies look even more appetizing and gorgeous. I’ve made this grilled eggplant dish several times now, and they are delicious on their own, in salads, and as a gluten-free side to meat or another main course. 

The savory flavors of the eggplant paired with the bright and herby chimichurri make this such a fabulous side dish! 

Watch a Short Video of This Recipe

How To Make Grilled Eggplant

For this grilled eggplant recipe (or aubergine, as some people call it), eggplant is cut into uniform slices and then drizzled with the most flavorful, tangy, and garlicky chimichurri. 

If you’ve never heard of chimichurri before, it’s the most amazing green sauce from Argentina and Uruguay used as a condiment – most commonly, for meat. It’s full of fresh herbs, it’s refreshing, and it’s seriously delicious on everything. It pairs perfectly with grilled eggplant that’s naturally tender and meaty in texture once cooked, with flavorful charred outer edges.

Ingredient Notes

There are 2 components for this recipe, chimichurri sauce and sliced eggplant.

Chimichurri Sauce

• parsley: I recommend using flat-leaf parsley for the most authentic flavor.
• garlic
• dried oregano
• crushed red pepper flakes: You can add less or more depending on your spice preference!
• salt & pepper
• red wine vinegar: You can use other types of vinegar, but red wine vinegar is what’s traditionally used when making chimichurri.
• lemon juice
• extra virgin olive oil

Grilled Eggplant

• large eggplant: You can use any kind of eggplant, but I like to use globe eggplants. They are hardy and big, suitable for grilling and withstanding high heat without compromising the texture. Make sure to cut into thick slices (about 1/2 inch thick).
• olive oil
• salt & black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the chimichurri first: Combine all its ingredients in a food processor, and process until finely chopped and mixed. Alternatively, you can chop all the ingredients finely and whisk together in a small bowl to combine–taste to adjust the seasoning.
2. Let the chimichurri sit while you grill the eggplant.
3. Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Cut eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds, then brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle with a simple salt and pepper mixture.
5. Grill in a single layer on your preheated grill for 5 minutes on each side, covering the grill between flipping. The slices should be tender and golden brown with marks from the grill grates.
6. Remove from heat and drizzle with chimichurri sauce while still warm. Enjoy hot or at room temperature.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 

To freeze, I recommend not adding the chimichurri to the eggplant. Once grilled, freeze the eggplant in a freezer-safe container with wax paper in between each slice so they don’t stick. They should last for about 8 months frozen this way. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer, stove top, or microwave. 

Recipe FAQs

More Delicious Recipes

• Best Grilled Zucchini Slices (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan, Low Carb, AIP)
• Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)
• Grilled Mexican Chili Lime Mango (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan)
• Easy Paleo Pork Chops with Grilled Peach Salsa (Whole30, Low Carb)
• Grilled Cajun Creole Shrimp with Sausage Skewers Recipe – Paleo, Keto, and Whole30

If you make this recipe, please leave me a star rating and comment below! I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Follow me on social media Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for even more delicious recipes!