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An Easy Warm Salad to Make: California Grape & Pancetta Salad
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Our Warm California Grape & Pancetta Salad with Walnuts is a flavor and texture bomb you didn’t know you needed! Some crisp butter lettuce and juicy strawberries mix with warm and savory crisp pancetta, toasted walnuts, dried apricots, and pleasantly warm, slightly jammy California table grapes. Tying it all together is creamy goat cheese and a tangy dressing. With each bite better than the last, this sultry, warm salad is sure to be the new it-girl of summer!
What is a Warm Salad?
A warm salad is the love child of fresh leafy greens and comforting, cooked elements. Every bite is a perfect juxtaposition of texture, temperature and flavor. Think of it as the rebellious sibling of the classic cold salad, adding a touch of warmth to your bowl while still keeping things light and nutritious. It’s a warm, satisfying salad that eats like a meal.
The Ingredients in This Warm Salad
- Butter Lettuce: The leafy green base of our salad provides a blank slate for the other components. Both tender and crisp, each bite of this leafy green is palate-pleasing.
- California Strawberries: These juicy gems add a sweet and tangy punch to every bite. Once they come in contact with the salad dressing, they start to macerate, creating a crave-worthy mouthfeel and flavor.
- Dried California Apricots: The apricots we sourced from Fairhaven Orchards add a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory elements.
- Crispy Pan-Fried Pancetta: This protein brings an irresistible crunch and savory flavor.
- California Walnuts Toasted in the Drippings from Pancetta: Add a rich, nutty flavor.
- Red Table Grapes and Fresh Thyme Cooked in the Drippings from Pancetta: The grapes become slightly jammy and literally burst with flavor.
- Creamy Goat Cheese: For a creamy, tangy finish you can’t beat!
- Salad Dressing: The remaining pancetta drippings are combined with California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, grainy mustard, honey, and lemon juice, then seasoned to perfection.
A Word About California Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
Want to be sure your olive oil is fresh, the highest quality, and the real deal? Look for the COOC seal on bottles of California Extra Virgin Olive Oil to make sure you’re getting delicious 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Certified California EVOO uses stricter standards than international requirements, requiring the oil to pass chemical testing and a sensory analysis by a group of experts, called an organoleptic panel evaluation.
When Are Table Grapes in Season in California?
California table grapes are typically in season from May through January. This long growing season means you can enjoy the crisp, juicy goodness of fresh grapes for a significant part of the year. If you’re curious about the journey of California table grapes from vine to table, check out this article.
How Do Strawberries Grow in California?
California strawberries grow in various regions, ensuring a year-round supply. They thrive in the Golden State’s fertile soil and favorable climate. Farmers plant them in raised beds covered with plastic sheeting to protect the fruit and enhance growth. The result? Plump, juicy strawberries that are a delight in any salad. For a deeper dive into the cultivation process, take a look at this article.
How Are Walnuts Grown in California?
Walnuts are a staple in California’s agricultural landscape. These nuts grow on trees that require a lot of care and attention. Once the nuts mature, they go through harvesting, hulling, then drying – perfection! This ensures these nuts will add a delightful crunch to your warm salad. Want to know more about how these nuts are grown and harvested? This article has all the details.
Why This Warm Salad Is Perfect for Almost Any Time of Year
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious meal in the fridged depths of early January or a simple recipe to enjoy on a late summer evening, this warm salad hits the spot. It’s versatile, easy to make, and truly showcases the best of CA GROWN produce. Plus, it only takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare, making it a delicious recipe for busy weeknights.
Choosing CA GROWN produce means you’re selecting some of the freshest and highest-quality ingredients available. Almost every ingredient in this salad hails from the Golden State, from the table grapes and strawberries to the walnuts and dried apricots. Want to learn more about how to look for CA GROWN when shopping? Check out the articles below.
Quick and Easy: A Simple Warm Salad Recipe for Busy Lives
This warm salad is delicious, I think that’s clear, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare – and that matters when life is busy. With good and good for you ingredients that are readily available, and a simple preparation process, you can have a nutritious meal on the table in no time.
Why You Need to Try This Warm Salad Recipe
Warm salads like this one offer a delightful twist on traditional salads. They combine the best of salad freshness with the heartiness of cooked ingredients, resulting in a dish that’s satisfying and full of incredible flavor.
Our Warm California Grape & Pancetta Salad with Walnuts is a perfect example of how warm salad recipes can elevate your meal game. It’s a great recipe that’s nutritious, easy to make, and perfect for any time of year.
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Warm California Grape & Pancetta Salad with Walnuts
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 head butter lettuce roughly chopped
- 4 ounces pancetta diced
- ½ cup walnuts roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cup California grapes washed
- 2 cups strawberries sliced, about 8
- 4 dried apricots thinly sliced
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 2 ounces goat cheese
For the dressing:
- 1 TBSP rendered pancetta fat
- 2 tsps whole grain mustard
- 2 tsps honey
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
Cook the pancetta, walnuts, and grapes:
- In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Add the roughly chopped walnuts to the same skillet with the pancetta fat.
- Toast the walnuts over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the walnuts from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the California grapes and thyme sprigs.
- Lightly cook the grapes over medium heat until they start to soften and are warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the grapes from the skillet and discard the thyme sprigs.
To make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the whole grain mustard, honey, and lemon juice.
- Gradually drizzle in the rendered pancetta fat and olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well emulsified. Season the dressing with salt to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- On a large serving platter or salad bowl, layer the roughly chopped butter lettuce.
- Evenly distribute the cooked pancetta, toasted walnuts, cooked grapes, sliced strawberries, and thinly sliced dried apricots over the lettuce.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad.
- Finish by dotting the salad with crumbles of goat cheese.
Video
Notes
Serve immediately.