Citrus Basil Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Nuts and Grapes
Indulge in a delightful mix of vibrant baby romaine and velvety mesclun greens, paired with halved red seedless grapes and rich crumbles of quality gorgonzola cheese. This refreshing salad is accentuated by sweet and crunchy candied walnuts, making it suitable for special occasions or a simple weeknight meal. The homemade citrus basil vinaigrette, featuring fresh orange and lemon juice, elevates the flavors and complements the ingredients beautifully. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad captures the essence of Dewey's Pizza in Cincinnati, Ohio.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby romaine leaves or mesclun
5 cups (washed and dried)
Red seedless grapes
1/2 cup (halved)
Quality gorgonzola
3.5 ounces (crumbled)
Candied walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup (halved (optional store-bought or homemade))
Fresh orange juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Aged balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Fresh basil
1 tablespoon (minced)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the candied walnuts or pecans if making your own. Allow them to cool before assembling the salad.
2
In a large salad bowl, layer the baby romaine leaves and mesclun greens evenly.
3
Evenly distribute the halved grapes and candied nuts atop the greens.
4
Sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola cheese over the salad.
5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced basil, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
6
Drizzle the citrus basil vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, allowing guests to toss their own portions to coat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish?
The main dish is the Citrus Basil Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Nuts and Grapes.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is categorized as a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Is the Citrus Basil Gorgonzola Salad gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is gluten-free according to the provided tags.
What types of greens are used in this recipe?
The salad uses five cups of washed and dried baby romaine leaves or mesclun greens.
What kind of cheese is added to the salad?
Quality gorgonzola cheese is used, which should be crumbled before adding.
Which fruit is included in the salad?
The salad contains one-half cup of halved red seedless grapes.
What kind of nuts are recommended?
The recipe calls for one-half cup of candied walnuts or pecans.
Can I use store-bought nuts?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade candied walnuts or pecans.
What is the base of the citrus basil vinaigrette?
The base consists of fresh orange juice and lemon juice.
How much orange juice is required?
The recipe requires one-third cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are used in the vinaigrette.
What kind of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The dressing uses one tablespoon of aged balsamic vinegar.
Is there a sweetener in the dressing?
Yes, the vinaigrette includes one tablespoon of brown sugar.
Which fresh herb is used in the vinaigrette?
The dressing features one tablespoon of minced fresh basil.
Does the recipe include garlic?
Yes, the vinaigrette requires one clove of minced garlic.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
What type of salt is recommended?
One-quarter teaspoon of kosher salt is used.
What type of pepper is used?
The salad uses one-eighth teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What is the inspiration for this salad?
The recipe captures the essence of salads from Dewey's Pizza in Cincinnati, Ohio.
How should the grapes be prepared?
The red seedless grapes should be halved.
How should the greens be arranged?
The baby romaine and mesclun greens should be layered evenly in a large salad bowl.
When should the dressing be added?
Drizzle the citrus basil vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
Should I toss the salad for my guests?
The instructions suggest allowing guests to toss their own portions to coat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients listed for the salad and dressing.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Yes, candied pecans are a suitable substitute for candied walnuts.
How much gorgonzola is needed?
The recipe requires 3.5 ounces of quality crumbled gorgonzola.
Is this a side dish or a meal?
It can be served as either a refreshing side dish or a light meal.
How do you mix the dressing?
Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a separate small bowl until well combined.