Hot summer days call for refreshing salads. Enjoy this simple, healthy salad that has a bit of a twist!
One major perk of being a food blogger is that I get to meet some truly, amazing people. I met my dear friend, Ally of What’s for Dinner Ally’s Kitchen a few years ago when I first started blogging. Ally is smart, super creative, enthusiastic and an all around wonderful friend. Ally is a world traveler and shares her fun twists on all types of recipes that are easy to follow and delicious! She was very supportive when I wrote both of my cookbooks and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of hers, Ally’s Kitchen, A Passport for Adventurous Palates!
Once I started flipping through the cookbook and all of it’s mouthwatering pictures, I came across this Refreshing Grape Mint Tomato Salad that completely caught my attention. Why have I never thought of that combination? It is amazing. The sweetness of the grapes, the crunch of the purple onion and the fresh mint all come together beautifully.
I let the salad sit in the refrigerator over night. The first day I ate it with raw spinach and white beans. The second day I wrapped it up in a tortilla with scrambled eggs (it might sound random but it was AWESOME!)
Grape Mint Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced purple onion
- 1 1/2 cups grapes sliced in halves
- 1 heaping tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- zest and juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a medium size mixing bowl, combine the tomato, onion, grapes, mint, lemon zest, lemon juice and olive oil.
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Toss to coat.
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Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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refrigerate at least one hour before serving to combine every luscious, refreshing flavor.
I told you it was easy!
Ok, so right as I was about to take this picture, a big thunderstorm hit and all of my natural light went away. That is why this is a little tiny bit dark, but you get the picture. No pun intended!
Guess what? Cooks & Books & Recipes is giving away ONE cookbook, Ally’s Kitchen, A Passport for Adventurous Palates, to one LUCKY reader!! Enter through the rafflecopter below.
Continental U.S./Canada only
Giveaway dates: May 27, 2015- June 12, 2015
ENTER TO WIN!!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MGZkZmI3N2U1NjEzMmQzMWQwYWE3MTZmYWYzY2ZmOjY0
Feel free to check out Ally, all over the place!
Ally’s Kitchen website: http://www.allyskitchen.com/
Cookbook Trailer (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyN6MCS8zBE
Blog Tour Page: http://blog.cedarfort.com/blog-tour-allys-kitchen/
Ally’s cookbook was released in bookstores on May 12th and it can be ordered online at:
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1462115462/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/allys-kitchen-alice-phillips/1120728889?ean=9781462115464
Noooooo! Lauren, it doesn’t sound ‘random’ at all! I love that you wrapped it in a tortilla w/a scrambled egg…I mean totally #boho and totally #ingenious! I wish you’d take a pix of it… in fact, I will…I’ll do that!! I adore you for so many reasons…but, I think one of the things that endears me to you, well, besides being just an amazingly talented foodie and one that I deeply admire and respect, is that you have three weetle boys, like me! So, I know kinda what your life is like! xoxo Thank you for this beautiful post and for sharing the luv! Hugs!! ~ally
Oh thank you so much Ally! Your cookbook is a true treasure and I value our friendship! XO
What a flavourful dish to share today- I’ve never added grapes to a savoury style salad- Yum!
It’s a fantastic addition Arman!
I love the grapes, mint, and onion all together – this salad sounds like it has wonderful flavors. I can almost taste it!
Thanks Ashley!
I’d love to have this salad right now for my lunch! Great combination of flavors.
It’s delicious Lana!
What a fun combination! I never thought to do grapes with mint and tomatoes in a salad. It sounds so light and perfect for a summer BBQ.
I plan on eating this all summer long Julia!
I love this unique salad Lauren! You are so funny, love that you ate it in a tortilla with scrambled eggs because why not it’s awesome!!!
Thanks for getting me Brenda 🙂
what a great idea to add grapes
It adds the perfect amount of sweetness!
Lauren, thank you sooooo much for your review! I knew there was a reason I bought a mint plant (un-green-thumb though I may be. lol!) It’s thriving and I’m looking forward to making this salad — and trying your boho’d variations. Thanks again!
I bet you love it Kim! Have a great weekend!
one of the gals in my book club has been making this salad for our monthly meetings for years. The first time I heard of the odd combination of grapes/tomatoes and mint, I was skeptical. After tasting it, I was hooked! It really works and it’s so good!
It really is a delicious combination!
I’m on a quest for summer salads. Can’t wait to try this. It looks perfect!
Looks delicious! I met Ally for the first time a few months ago (such a lovely lady!) – I’ve got to order her cookbook as soon as possible!
I must have this cookbook! This salad looks terrific! What a wonderful endorsement, too. Ally is lucky to have good friends like yourself!
Thank you Rose!
I’m pretty sure I’ll be enjoying this all summer long!
Me too, Paula!
This sounds so uniquely delicious! I would love her book because my favorite thing to do is cook. I love trying new recipes out for my husband and son each day. I am crossing my fingers because this book looks great!
Good luck Alexandra!
What a delicious looking summer salad! Love the addition of mint….yum!
Drooled when I saw this so I made this last night and instant success with the family. My new favorite salad! I absolutely love pairing of the sweetness of the grapes and the tanginess of the tomatoes. Two great tastes that taste great together! (where have I heard that before?)