Recipe: Amazing Grape Salad

A bountiful harvest of grapes is the definition of late Summer and Autumn. Even though grapes seem to be on sale year-round, it’s worth waiting until this time of the year because they have riped within the energy of the season. They are bursting with sunshine and flavour, releasing nature’s energy direct to you!

This simple salad has all the essentials and nothing extra – a variety of textures, something salty, something sweet, a little tang and one dominant flavour.

Perfect as a side dish or simple lunch on a warm late-Summer’s day!

Health benefits of grapes

• Neutral thermal nature, Sweet-and-Sour flavour properties
• Strengthens Qi-energy
• Blood tonic (contains cell salts that build and purify the blood and help glands to cleanse)
• Diuretic (promotes urination) – difficult or painful urination or edema
• Benefits Kidney (and bone) and Liver (and tendons)
• Fresh grape juice is helpful for hepatitis or jaundice
• A poultice of fresh grapes helps skin recover from infections – apply for 8 hours at a time
• Good energy snack for children
• Dark grapes are stronger for nourishing blood and strengthening energy

Adapted from Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford.

Amazing Grape Salad

2 medium servings

• 2 handfuls seedless red grapes
• 2 handfuls cashews, lightly salted or raw, as preferred
• 2 Lebanese cucumbers, cut in chunks
• 1 large ripe avocado, cut in chunks
• Squeeze of fresh lime juice
• Sprinkle of fried shallots (from Asian grocer) or a little minced fresh garlic or diced red onion if preferred

1. Add grapes, cashews, cucumber and avocado into a bowl.

2. Squeeze with lime juice.

3. Sprinkle with fried shallots and enjoy!

(If making ahead, coat the avocado with the lime juice before adding to the bowl to prevent browning, cover & store in fridge. Add fried shallots just before serving)