Chicory Salad With Roasted Grapes

Source:  The Washington Post

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup seedless red grapes
  • 1/3 cup walnut or pecan pieces
  • 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon plus 1 pinch salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon plus 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot
  • 4 cups lightly packed, coarsely chopped or torn chicory, escarole or frisee
  • 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (or substitute shaved Parmesan)

Preparation:

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 400 degrees.

Spread the grapes on one rimmed baking sheet and the nuts on a separate baking sheet. Drizzle the grapes with 1 teaspoon of the oil, then sprinkle with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast the grapes (upper rack) for about 20 minutes, until they are tender and lightly browned yet still retain their shape. Toast the nuts (lower rack) simultaneously, but for only 10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Let both the grapes and the nuts cool.

Whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil, the vinegar, mustard, honey and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk in the shallot.

Toss the greens with the dressing in a large bowl, then divide among individual plates. Scatter the roasted grapes, nuts and blue cheese over each portion. Serve right away.