Tangy Greens Salad with Raspberry Dressing

Photo credit: www.foodandwine.com

A salad featuring a diverse mix of arugula, radicchio, and frisée lettuces presents a delightful combination of peppery and spicy notes, harmonized with the sweetness of fresh raspberries. The salad is elegantly dressed with a raspberry shrub dressing crafted by Neal Bodenheimer, enhanced by the addition of Dijon mustard and Marcona almonds, which contribute salty, pungent, and buttery flavors. To elevate the dish, torn pieces of burrata cheese are added just prior to serving, creating a rich and creamy texture that complements the crispness of the greens.

The Origin of Raspberry Vinaigrette

Before its availability in bottled form at supermarkets, raspberry vinaigrette emerged during the rise of nouvelle cuisine in the 1980s and ’90s. This culinary movement, characterized by its focus on modern, fresh, and simplified French cooking, was significantly influenced by renowned California chefs such as Alice Waters and Wolfgang Puck, who played substantial roles in popularizing lighter, flavor-centric dishes.

Understanding Shrubs

Shrubs are tangy, vinegar-based beverages that add a unique flavor to cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks. These elixirs, often referred to as drinking vinegars, start with a base of vinegar combined with fruits and sugar. They can also include additional ingredients such as spices, flowers, or herbs, which are allowed to infuse by either heating or cold-steeping for several days. The resulting mixture is then strained and can remain fresh in the refrigerator for several months.

Insights from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

A commonly accepted guideline for vinaigrettes is a 3:1 ratio of oil to acid. However, due to the vinegar-forward nature of Neal Bodenheimer’s raspberry shrub, the dressing for this particular salad is formulated with a balanced 1:1 ratio of oil to shrub, resulting in a more harmonious flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.

Marcona almonds, known for their soft texture and sweet flavor, can be sourced from various grocery stores or found online at ohnuts.com. For those unable to locate these Spanish almonds, chopped roasted and salted blanched almonds serve as a viable substitute, though they will offer a firmer texture and a less sweet taste.

Preparation Tips

The raspberry vinaigrette can be conveniently stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Additionally, the undressed salad itself, if kept in an airtight container, can remain fresh in the fridge for as long as three days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Source
www.foodandwine.com