This vibrant, budget-friendly salad combines the irresistible sweetness of grapes, the sharp, creamy bite of Italian Gorgonzola, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. It’s perfect for a quick, elegant lunch or a sophisticated side dish that takes just minutes to prepare, making it a star of any “Frugal Kitchen.”
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Servings | 2 |
| Prep Time | 10 Minutes |
| Cook Time | —– |
| Total Time | 10 Minutes |
| Dietary | Gluten-Free , vegetarian |
| Allergen Note | Contains Dairy (Gorgonzola) |
Description
This easy-to-assemble salad elevates simple ingredients into a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavor and texture. The homemade vinaigrette, with a touch of smooth Dijon, brings everything together beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 100g of salad leaves (3-4 handfuls)
- 50g walnuts (semi crushed and toasted )
- 100g red seedless grapes
- 100g Gorgonzola cheese (or a vegetarian blue cheese alternative)
For the Vinaigrette:
- 3 Tablespoons high-quality olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Salad Components
- Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed salad leaves. Set aside.
- Toast the walnuts(f not ready tosted ): Heat a small, dry frying pan over medium heat. Add the walnut and toast for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Remove from the pan immediately to cool.
- Halve and, if it’s with seeds , deseed the red grapes.
- Crumble the Gorgonzola cheese into small pieces.
Step 2: Whisk the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, white vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Whisk vigorously until the dressing is emulsified (slightly thickened and well-combined).
- Season the vinaigrette sparingly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble and Toss
- In a large bowl, combine the salad leaves, cooled toasted walnuts, grapes, and crumbled Gorgonzola.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently until all the ingredients are lightly coated. Serve immediately.
Estimated Nutritional Values (Per Serving, based on 2 servings)
| Component | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~572 kcal |
| Protein | ~13.0 g |
| Fat | ~50.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~17.0 g |
| Fiber | ~4.0 g |
| Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredient brand and portion sizes. |
