Smoked Vegetable Salad

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This recipe was prepared by Chef John Maxwell on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program.

Maxwell, a certified executive chef, culinary educator and member of the American Academy of Chefs, shares delicious seasonal recipes in a Real Virginia segment sponsored by Virginia Grown, a program of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.



Smoked Vegetable Salad


4 fresh rosemary sprigs, 6" long with woody stems
4 slices eggplant, peeled and cut into 3" pieces
4 pieces red/green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 2-3" pieces
4 pieces zucchini, cut into 2-3" pieces
4 pieces yellow squash, cut into 2-3" pieces
4-6 whole crimini mushrooms
2 Roma tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
4 pieces cauliflower, broken into florets
brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and outer leaves removed
tiny whole red potatoes, blanched if they are of a size that will cook slower than the other vegetables
4 pieces fennel stalk, cut into 2" pieces
olive oil
salt and pepper
4 cups mixed lettuce salad


Assembling the dish:

Soak rosemary sprigs in water.

Place vegetable pieces in a large bowl, toss and lightly coat with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

Squeeze the rosemary free of excess water and place springs in the bottom of a stovetop smoker. Arrange cut vegetables on the smoker grate, and place the grate on top of the rosemary. Cover the smoker, and heat for 20 minutes or until smoke stops curling from the lid.

Create salad dressing (below).

Place the lettuces in the bottom of a wide bowl, and top with the smoked vegetables. Drizzle with the salad dressing. You may have to whisk the dressing again if the contents have settled.

Salad Dressing

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
juice from half a lemon
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
6 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients except oil in small bowl. Slowly add the oil, whisking vigorously to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper.



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