| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 285 | 16g | 1.5g | 33g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 26g | 3g | 6g | 0.2g |
With every stirring of the salad spoon, I’m reminded of why I love the Grape and Walnut Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing. A dish that beautifully marries the elevating freshness of fruits with the timeless delights of French and Creolean culinary intricacies, every bite is a euphoric journey.
From the Vine to the Table
As a Louisiana native, I have a fondness for fresh ingredients and a flair for incorporating them into wholesome, soul-nourishing dishes. Grapes, a staple in both Creolean and French cuisine, lend their vibrant colors, contrasting yet complimentary flavors, and a sweet juiciness to this salad. I like to think of them as orbs of gastronomic joy, like tiny bursts of sweetness in each mouthful. It’s an experience akin to savoring my mother’s clafloutis, the grapes reminiscent of the plump cherries nestled in the batter.
A Nod to Health
But this Grape and Walnut Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing isn’t just about indulgence. It’s also a powerhouse of nutrition. Grapes are loaded with antioxidants, helping to maintain a healthy heart while walnuts, rich in omega-3 fats, contribute to cognitive health. A drizzle of honey brings the natural sweetness, along with a touch of antimicrobial properties, and the lemon not only introduces a tangy note to balance the sweetness but also a good dose of Vitamin C.
This is a salad, which much like the French Salade Niçoise, can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to grilled chicken or roasted fish. It’s the kind of food that connects, that gathers us around the table, that encourages conversation and laughter. It’s reminiscent of Sunday family lunches — flavorful, comforting, and abundant.
For the full recipe, ingredient measurements, and more delightful fruit-based recipes, visit All Recipes Or, for a broader selection of gourmet ideas, explore Bon Appétit.
A Harmony of Flavors
There’s something soulful about the combination of sweet grapes, crunchy walnuts, and the citrusy tang of lemon, all adorned with a honey dressing. It’s a symphony of fresh, radiant, and invigorating flavors that delight the palate and wake up the senses. This salad is more than just a dish; it’s an edible embrace of my culinary heritage, a love letter to the cuisine that I hold dear.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of seedless red grapes
- 2 cups of seedless green grapes
- 1 cup of walnuts
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 6 cups of fresh mixed salad leaves
Method
Step One
Begin by washing all the grapes thoroughly and then put them aside to dry. Once dried, slice your seedless red and green grapes in half and place them in a large serving bowl.
Step Two
In a skillet or pan, add the walnuts and toast them lightly over medium heat. Make sure to continuously shake the pan to prevent the nuts from burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and let them cool before adding them to the bowl with the grapes.
Step Three
To prepare the Honey Lemon dressing, in a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, fresh lemon juice, grated lemon zest and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.
Step Four
Pour the dressing over the grapes and walnuts in the serving bowl. Gently toss the salad until it is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step Five
Lastly, add the fresh mixed salad leaves to the serving bowl and toss again to combine. You can either serve immediately or refrigerate before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Enjoy!
