What vegetable goes well with eggplant? If you’ve ever asked this question while planning a meal, you’re not alone. Eggplant is a rich, hearty vegetable that pairs beautifully with many other fresh ingredients. From Mediterranean classics to cozy roasted trays, knowing the best vegetables to pair with eggplant can completely transform your dish.

Whether you’re cooking a simple dinner, making ratatouille, preparing a stir-fry, or building a vegetarian lasagna, the right vegetable companions make all the difference.

What Vegetable Goes Well with Eggplant– 22 Perfect Pairings

22 Vegetables That Go With Eggplant

In this guide, we’ll explore the vegetables that go with eggplant—each adding flavor, color, texture, and nutrition to your meals. These combinations work for grilled, roasted, stuffed, or sautéed eggplant dishes and are perfect for everyday cooking.

So if you’re wondering which vegetables cook well with eggplant, or looking for vegetables that complement eggplant in taste and texture, you’ll find delicious inspiration right here.

1. Zucchini

Zucchini and eggplant are a match made in Mediterranean heaven. Both cook at similar rates and absorb flavors beautifully, making them ideal for ratatouille, stir-fries, or roasted veggie trays. Zucchini adds a mild, slightly sweet bite that complements eggplant’s meaty texture without overpowering it.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes bring juiciness and acidity that balance the eggplant’s richness. When cooked together—whether in a pasta sauce, stew, or casserole—the tomato’s brightness lifts the entire dish. Their combination is a staple in Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine for a reason.

3. Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers add crunch, sweetness, and vibrant color. Whether red, yellow, or green, they enhance eggplant-based dishes with a fresh, crisp contrast. Try roasting them together or layering them in baked vegetable stacks.

4. Spinach

Eggplant and spinach work wonderfully in layered dishes like lasagna or moussaka. The wilted greens blend seamlessly with tender eggplant slices, adding both color and a healthy dose of nutrients. Garlic and olive oil tie these two together perfectly.

5. Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms and eggplant share a similar umami-rich quality. Together, they create depth and meatiness—perfect for vegetarian stir-fries or pasta sauces. Use cremini, portobello, or shiitake for extra flavor impact.

6. Onions

Caramelized or sautéed, onions bring out the natural sweetness of eggplant. They’re often used as a flavor base in eggplant dishes like caponata, baba ganoush, or eggplant curry. The savory aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling amazing.

7. Garlic

Though technically not a vegetable, garlic is an essential companion to eggplant. It boosts flavor in every dish, from grilled eggplant to hearty casseroles. Roast it whole or mince it finely—either way, garlic and eggplant are culinary soulmates.

8. Cauliflower

Cauliflower and eggplant both roast beautifully, and their textures contrast nicely—soft and silky eggplant against tender, nutty cauliflower. Season with curry spices, tahini, or garlic butter for a side dish or grain bowl topping.

9. Potatoes

Starchy potatoes absorb sauces and flavors like a sponge, just like eggplant. Use them together in gratins, stews, or oven roasts. For Indian-inspired meals, eggplant and potato curry is a cozy, comforting favorite.

10. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)

Chickpeas aren’t just for hummus—they add a protein boost to eggplant-based meals. Whether tossed in a salad, stew, or roasted together, the creamy texture of chickpeas blends well with eggplant’s softness for a complete and satisfying dish.

11. Green Beans

Fresh green beans add crunch and color to any eggplant recipe. Stir-fried with garlic, sesame oil, or soy sauce, this combo works great in Asian-inspired dishes or even as a quick sautéed side.

12. Carrots

Carrots bring a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the slightly bitter, earthy notes of eggplant. They soften well when cooked together in soups, stews, or braises and add a pop of color to every plate.

13. Leeks

Leeks are milder than onions but still offer a gentle sweetness and aromatic base. When cooked down with eggplant in soups or sautés, they add richness without overpowering the dish. A creamy leek-and-eggplant combo works particularly well in baked dishes.

14. Sweet Potatoes

For a cozy, nutritious twist, pair eggplant with sweet potatoes. Their sweet flesh caramelizes when roasted, balancing out eggplant’s savory edge. Toss both with herbs and spices for an easy sheet-pan meal or veggie bake.

15. Cabbage

Cabbage might not be the first vegetable you think of, but it works surprisingly well with eggplant in stir-fries and braised dishes. Its firm texture holds up nicely and absorbs sauce just as well as eggplant does.

16. Fennel

Fennel brings a mild licorice-like flavor that contrasts beautifully with eggplant’s earthy base. Roast them together or thinly slice fennel to use in a salad alongside grilled eggplant. It adds freshness and elegance to the plate.

17. Artichokes

Marinated or cooked, artichokes give eggplant dishes a tangy, briny edge that adds complexity. Whether used in pasta, salads, or baked casseroles, artichokes bring depth to the table and pair wonderfully with herbs like oregano and thyme.

18. Beets

Beets add color, earthiness, and natural sweetness to your eggplant dishes. Roasted together, they make for a rustic, hearty side or main that’s visually stunning and nutrient-rich. Add feta or goat cheese for a flavorful finish.

19. Broccoli

Broccoli provides a firm bite and slight bitterness that complements eggplant’s soft texture. Roast or steam them together and drizzle with lemon juice or tahini dressing for a healthy, vibrant pairing.

20. Kale

Kale, with its bold flavor and chewy texture, balances the tenderness of cooked eggplant. Use it in grain bowls, pastas, or veggie stir-fries. Add garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil to pull everything together.

21. Peas

Peas add a pop of sweetness and vibrant green color. Stir them into curries, stews, or even pasta sauces with eggplant to lighten things up. Frozen peas work just as well as fresh, making this an easy addition.

22. Celery

Celery adds crunch, freshness, and an herbal note that contrasts well with eggplant’s richness. Dice it finely into salads, stir-fries, or stuffings. It plays a subtle but important role in balancing heavier dishes.

Summary

Eggplant is one of the most versatile vegetables in the kitchen, but its magic truly shines when it’s paired with the right partners. From the crispness of green beans to the sweetness of tomatoes and the earthiness of mushrooms, each vegetable on this list brings something special to the table.

Now that you know what vegetables go well with eggplant, you can mix and match to suit your recipe, mood, or season. Whether you roast them together, toss them in a salad, or build a layered dish—these pairings promise flavor, balance, and a beautiful plate.

So the next time you’re cooking with eggplant, don’t wonder what goes with it—just come back to this list and start creating something delicious.