"Champagne" Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

 Easy and delicious, this salad is going to be one of the most tasty that you will ever serve.  It was one of my contributions to last week’s luncheon at my dad’s house and received thumbs up all around.  The secret ingredient is the Champagne Grapes. These little gems, now in season, lurk beneath the greens just waiting to explode in your mouth with sweet, juicy deliciousness.  Everyone at the table, upon first bite, remarked about what a delicious salad it was, and then tried to figure out what made it so good and unique.  While the toothsome not-too-sweet raspberry vinaigrette certainly helps, the grapes are the real star.

Easy to assemble and customize to your own taste, here is my favorite combination of ingredients.  I don’t measure, just toss everything into a bowl until, as my grandmother used to say, “It looks right.”

Spring Greens

Thinly sliced red onion

Toasted walnuts, broken into pieces

Grated jack cheese

Champagne Grapes

Raspberry Vinaigrette

1/3 cup raspberry vinegar

¼ - ½ cup sugar (to taste)

½ teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon seasoned salt

¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

3 drops hot sauce

½ cup canola oil

Whisk together the first seven ingredients until combined.  Slowly pour oil into the mixture, whisking constantly to emulsify.

  

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Seasonal Sundays