Spring Salad with Grapes and Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese

I saw this recipe last week, and could not believe the reviews it had gotten, it just looked too simple. After making it this evening, I am blown away by the flavor and simplicity of the recipe. I made this recipe with the dressing as suggested, except I didn’t use the full basil since I was using off-the-vine fresh basil, which can be overpowering. The cheese balls were simple enough, and although seemed excessive when making them, they really helped the pistachios and cheese come together when in the salad bringing the full flavor together. The tart dressing, combined with the sweet grapes and salty pistachio made wonderful combinations and really delivered in taste. Overall my rating is based on simplicity, cost (cheap), and flavor (delicious).

I've made this a couple of times now, and it does not disappoint. The dressing can be a little time-consuming but fresh herbs are essential, and the rest of it - even the goat cheese balls - comes together about as quickly as most worthwhile salads. Like the other reviewer I make the balls smaller, and although I make this for just two, more recently I used the full amount of pistachios and sprinkled half of them whole over the salads for some extra MUFA. We had this for dinner with Chllled Peach Soup (SL), although some bread and even a glass of wine would have fit in nicely.

This salad is always greeted with enthusiasm in our household as everyone loves it! I have a 9 and 11 year old so getting them excited about a healthy salad is really something. We love the sweet grapes combined with the goat cheese balls coated in pistachios- all without complaining that they are eating healthy greens. I also make more but smaller goat cheese balls for the smaller mouths so they don't eat up the cheese too quickly before the salad is eaten. This salad is so wonderful that I think it would be great for a dinner party too where you want to impress. Both the taste and presentation makes it great for entertaining as well as regular use.

This is outstanding. A light and interesting salad and crowd pleaser. I also made for a group of 14 ladies recently. Instead of making the goat cheese balls I crumbled the cheese in the salad and used chopped toasted walnuts instead of pistachios. There was enough dressing to serve all. Plus they all wanted the recipe. I will make this one often when I want to impress.

I love love love this salad. It requires a bit more work than the typical salad prep, but MAN, is it worth it. A big hit with the fam:)