Romaine, Gorgonzola, Grape and Walnut Salad
Ingredients
For the walnut vinaigrette:
- 7 Tbs. walnut oil
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- 2 Tbs. aged balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbs. sherry vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 cup walnuts, preferably halves
- 3 heads romaine lettuce, leaves separated and torn into bite-size pieces
- 6 small ripe figs, quartered through stem ends (optional)
- 1 cup red or black seedless grapes, halved (optional)
- 2 small pears, quartered, cored and thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 to 2/3 lb. Gorgonzola dolcelatte cheese, at room temperature, broken into bite-size pieces
Directions
Preheat an oven to 350°F.
To make the walnut vinaigrette, in a bowl, whisk together the walnut and olive oils, balsamic and sherry vinegars, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Toast, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven. Transfer to a small bowl, add 3 Tbs. of the vinaigrette, toss lightly and let stand for 15 minutes before assembling the salad.
Place the torn romaine in a large bowl. Add the marinated walnuts and drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. Toss well. Divide among chilled individual plates and top with the figs, grapes or pears and the cheese, dividing all the ingredients evenly, and serve. Serves 6.
Rated 4 out of
5
by
dmrmsr from
Glad we tried it
Blue cheese,autumn or winter fruits and nuts off all kinds in some combination or another are commonly used in green salads at our house in the fall and winter. Glad I tried this one. Simple to make. But I was expecting something more unique in flavor, I guess, from the marinating of the hot walnuts in some of the dressing. Good. But can't say it is all that unique to be a keeper.
Date published: 2013-12-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
SalG from
Favorite Salad
This is such a tasty salad and has quickly become a favorite for our family!!!! When you're needing something a little more substantial just add grilled chicken breast, which can be marinated in the same dressing prior to grilling. AWESOME!
Date published: 2012-07-11