Shrimp, Grapes and Manchego

For this appetizer salad, Michael Watz, chef/instructor at Washburne Culinary Institute in Chicago, chooses the seedless Red Flame grapes for their compatible shape, size and balance of sweetness and acidity.

At a glance

Main Ingredient

Dairy/Cheese, Fruit, Seafood

Cuisine Type

American

Menu Part

Appetizer

Serves

Yield: 4

Ingredients

12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp. fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme
2 tbsp. sherry vinegar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 cups torn radicchio
2 cups thinly sliced fennel
1 tbsp. chopped shallots
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. thinly sliced lemongrass
2 cups red seedless California grapes
2 tbsp. dry white wine
12 chives, trimmed
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
2 oz. Manchego cheese, thinly sliced

Methods/Steps

Toss shrimp with 2 tbsp. olive oil, rosemary and thyme. Marinate 30 min., turning often.
Remove shrimp from marinade and pat dry. Spray grilling surface with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange shrimp on grill; season with salt and pepper. Grill 2 min; gently turn and grill 2 min. more or until cooked through. Remove and keep shrimp warm.
Combine 1 tbsp. olive oil, sherry vinegar, salt and pepper in large bowl; whisk to mix. Add radicchio and fennel; gently toss to coat.
Heat remaining 1 tbsp. oil with shallots, garlic and lemongrass in skillet over med.-high heat; sauté 30 sec. Add grapes; sauté 30 sec. more. Stir in wine; cook to reduce.
Per serving, plate salad greens; arrange 3 shrimp on plate. Evenly arrange grapes on top; garnish with chives and pine nuts. Shave 3 to 4 slices manchego cheese around each salad. Serve immediately.