Name: Arugula, Grape, and Almond Salad with Saba Vinaigrette
Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 pound seedless red or purple grapes; 1 tablespoon minced shallot; 1 tablespoon (or more) Sherry vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon saba or aged balsamic vinegar plus more for drizzling; Freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 pound arugula (about 8 cups); 1/4 pound Roncal, Manchego, or Pecorino cheese, shaved with a peeler; 3/4 cup salted, roasted Marcona almonds, coarsely chopped; Ingredient info: Saba is available at specialty foods stores and ilmercatoitaliano.net. Marcona almonds can be found at natural and specialty foods stores and latienda.com.

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Cutlery Fork Human Person and Vegetable

Arugula, Grape, and Almond Salad with Saba VinaigretteMichael Graydon and Nicole Herriott

Grapes appear here in three forms: crushed and whisked into the vinaigrette, halved and tossed with arugula, and aged in saba, a balsamic-like syrup made from grape must.

Recipe information

Yield
Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

1/2 pound seedless red or purple grapes

1 tablespoon minced shallot

1 tablespoon (or more) Sherry vinegar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon saba or aged balsamic vinegar plus more for drizzling

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 pound arugula (about 8 cups)

1/4 pound Roncal, Manchego, or Pecorino cheese, shaved with a peeler

3/4 cup salted, roasted Marcona almonds, coarsely chopped

Ingredient info: Saba is available at specialty foods stores and ilmercatoitaliano.net. Marcona almonds can be found at natural and specialty foods stores and latienda.com.

Preparation

Step 1
Finely chop 7 grapes; transfer to a small bowl. Cut remaining grapes in half; transfer to another small bowl and set aside. Using a fork, mash chopped grapes in bowl into a purée. Stir in shallot, 1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk in oil and 1 tablespoon saba. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt, pepper, and more Sherry vinegar, if desired. DO AHEAD: Vinaigrette and halved grapes can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover and chill vinaigrette and grapes separately. Bring vinaigrette to room temperature and rewhisk before continuing.
Step 2
Combine arugula and halved grapes in a large bowl; drizzle with vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper. Toss salad to coat. Arrange salad on chilled dinner plates, dividing evenly. Scatter cheese and almonds over. Drizzle salads with more saba.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

87 Best Thanksgiving Salad Recipes to Round Out Your Holiday Table
It's all too easily forgotten, but your guests will welcome something light and refreshing among the hefty spread.
101 Ways to Cook With Almonds
They make great cakes. They make tasty bar snacks. They make perfect sense.
101 of Our Best Side Salads
They're on the side of your plate, but they just might steal the show.
97 Thanksgiving Potluck Ideas for Sides & Mains
These crowd-friendly dishes, from hearty roasted squash to creamy potato gratins and fresh kale salads, will make you the potluck winner.
33 Grape Recipes for Pizza, Jam, Salad and Pie
These sweet and savory recipes will convince you that grapes are for more than just snacking.
Roast Your Grapes
They can (and should) be more than just a pop-in-your-mouth snack.