Come BBQ season I am always searching for fun and healthy recipes to serve at my outdoor summer parties, so when my friend Cassandra Bodzak, a Holistic Lifestyle Expert and Healthy Cooking Host {who has been featured on Shape and Self Mag}, said she would be willing to come over and share this no carb, rich in flavor appetizer, I was ecstatic! Stunning presentation and literally no guilt {it’s all veggies!} I couldn’t wait to make and taste-test this healthy summer recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 tomato
• 1/4 cup of chopped onions
• 2 tbsp of chopped garlic (less if you are not a huge garlic lover!)
• 2 tbsp of chopped basil (fresh)
• 1 tsp of oregano
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 of a lemon (to squeeze over)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees if you are not grilling the eggplant on the barbecue. Slice your eggplant about 1/4-1/2 inch thick so it’s thick enough to be sturdy for holding the tomato mixture. Place sliced eggplants on paper towels and cover them with another paper towel to dry out as much as possible. While the paper towels are absorbing the water, start chopping up your tomato, onion, basil and garlic.  In a medium mixing bowl combine your tomatoes, onions, basil, oregano, garlic, as well as your olive oil and balsamic.

Now place your eggplant either directly on the grill or on a lightly greased (use a coconut or olive oil spray) tray and place them in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Whether they are on the grill on in the oven, watch them and turn them over about five minutes through. Eggplant will be done faster on the grill so watch them carefully.

When eggplants are done, place them on your platter and gently scoop about a tablespoon of the bruschetta mix down the middle of the eggplant slice. When all eggplant bruschetta is made, lightly squeeze your fresh lemon juice on top. Garnish with a fresh leaf basil! The eggplant may be bit flimsy so serve on small dishes with a salad or appetizer fork! Enjoy!

Be sure to check out Casandra’s awesome YouTube channel {here} where she shares everything from green juice recipes to positive mediations and tips!