Just one of those times when you feel tired of the same old salad recipe, elevating it to a salad with grapes and walnuts can be the transformation you are looking for. I did just that and I am sharing it with you.
Fresh grapes offer a tease of sweetness while walnuts add a crunchy texture. Both are packed with essential nutrients.
Key Ingredients
Salad with grapes and walnuts requires a few ingredients. Let me share with you what ingredients I used, but you can modify yours using any regular green salad you already have in your pantry.
- Green grapes or sweet, seedless grapes
- Walnuts
- Any green salad leaves, I used purslane and romaine lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cherry Belle radish
- Your choice of dressing. I loved sour cream mixture or Greek salad dressing
Choosing the Best Grapes
Opt for juicy grapes that are firm to the touch and vibrant in color. Green grapes are a popular choice for their sweet and tangy profile. Store them in an airtight container to preserve freshness until you have prepared your salad.
Selecting Quality Walnuts
Look for plump walnuts with a smooth surface, ideally with a light to golden brown color. Check for any signs of rancidity, such as a stale smell or bitter taste. For optimal flavor, store walnuts in a cool, dry place or freeze them if you plan to keep them long-term.
Preparation Methods
Creating a salad with grapes and walnuts is simple and quick. This dish is, perfect for a festive salad or a summer side dish.
Washing and Preparing Grapes
Begin by selecting juicy grapes. Wash the grapes thoroughly under running water to remove any residue. After washing, pat them dry and slice them in half, ensuring they are ready to blend seamlessly into your salad.
Toasting Walnuts
Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast for about 5-8 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Skip this process if you already have roasted walnuts available.
Combining Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine your salad ingredient choices, then top them with halved grapes and toasted walnuts.
If using sour cream dressing: Mix sour cream, cream cheese, sugar (or powdered sugar), and a pinch of salt. Chill them in an airtight container until ready to serve. Gently fold the dressing into the grape walnut salad when ready to serve.
If using Greek salad dressing. Mix juice of one lemon with one-fourth cup of olive oil, a dash of salt and black pepper, and a pinch of sugar (brown sugar is an excellent alternative to white sugar in this case). Pour onto your salad and turn them twice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Other Dishes
This grape walnut salad pairs excellently with grilled chicken or roasted turkey, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. When planning a summer side dish menu, serve it alongside juicy grilled meats or a classic fruit salad to round out the meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Salad with grapes and walnuts is versatile, offering room for customization. Swap seedless grapes with juicy green grapes for a different flavor profile. Use cream cheese mixture instead of sour cream for a richer texture.
Different Types of Nuts
Consider pecans for a sweeter taste or almonds for a firmer bite. Pine nuts offer a buttery, nutty flavor, making them an excellent choice for variation.
Storage Solutions
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your salad. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture and air from spoiling the ingredients. Store the salad in the refrigerator to keep it crisp and for the next day.
Keeping Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Fresh
To keep your salad fresh, always place the dressing on the side until serving. This prevents the greens and grapes from getting soggy. Additionally, adding a pinch of salt can help maintain the natural flavors of sweet grapes and crunchy walnuts.
Meal Prep Tips
When preparing grape walnut salad in advance, slice your juicy green grapes and chop the walnuts ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Combine them with the rest of the ingredients and the dressing right before serving for the best texture and taste.
Salad with Grapes and Walnuts, A Different Kind of Crunch
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: International
Description
Easy salad with grapes and walnuts recipe combining fresh grapes, crunchy walnuts, and greens for a tasty, healthy dish.
Ingredients
For the salad:
a bunch of purslane leaves (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup of chopped Romaine lettuce
6–8 pieces of Cherry tomatoes, halved
2–3 pieces of Cherry Belle radish, sliced
1/2 cup walnuts
1 cup grapes, halved
For the Greek dressing:
juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
black pepper and salt to taste
a pinch of sugar
2 teaspoons of Pomegranate molasses (optional)
Instructions
Wash purslane leaves with the stems on. Dry on paper towels. Remove the leaves and ditch the stems.
Wash romaine lettuce, dry it on paper towels, then cut up – about 1-inch squares.
Wash and slice the radishes.
Halve the tomatoes.
Mix all the ingredients.
Top with halved grapes and walnuts.
Mix all dressing ingredients. Pour onto salad mixture and fold twice.
Serve.
