Culinary Guides

Are you looking for a fresh and elegant salad that balances various flavors and textures? This Oak Leaf Lettuce Salad with Cabrales and Red Grapes is the perfect choice. The crispness of the lettuce, the pungent blue cheese's creaminess, and the red grapes' sweetness come together harmoniously. Topped with toasted pine nuts and a delightful sherry vinegar dressing, this salad is easy to prepare and an impressive addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a light main course, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and guests.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Shallot Confit plus 5 tablespoons of the reserved shallot oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pound red and green oak leaf lettuce (about 16 cups)
• 6 ounces Cabrales cheese crumbled (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups seedless red grapes halved
• Freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Toast the Pine Nuts: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pine nuts on a metal pie plate and bake for about 8 minutes or until lightly toasted. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the sherry vinegar, shallot confit, honey, and kosher salt. Slowly whisk the reserved shallot oil until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
3. Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and thoroughly dry the oak leaf lettuce. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the crumbled Cabrales cheese and the halved red grapes to the bowl with the lettuce. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
5. Toss the Salad: Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This helps to ensure that the flavors are well distributed throughout the salad.
6. Season and Finish: Season the salad with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add additional salt if necessary as the cheese can be quite salty. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top for a delightful crunch.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp texture of the lettuce and the vibrant flavors of the dressing and toppings.

Tips for Success:

• Shallot Confit: If you don't have shallot confit, you can make it by slowly cooking sliced shallots in olive oil over low heat until they are soft and golden.
• Cheese Substitutes: If you prefer a milder cheese, consider using a creamy blue cheese like Danish Blue or a firm blue like Stilton.
• Grape Variations: For a more colorful presentation and a balance of sweetness, you can use a mix of red and green grapes.

Enjoying Your Salad

This Oak Leaf Lettuce Salad with Cabrales and Red Grapes is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and unique taste profile will impress your guests whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal at home. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light rosé to complement the salad’s fresh ingredients. Enjoy this sophisticated and delicious salad that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.