Grape Summer Salad

I was part of a solution today.

A delicious solution. A solution which looks something like this.

 In the maddening onset of crazy Mumbai heat, I choose to take the higher road and not crib about the disgusting heat like I have before. 

Instead, I come to you with a solution to this unyielding problem.

A solution first introduced to me in the lovely city of Pune by an aunt. This wasn’t the kind of solution that would slowly make its presence felt and then timidly assert its brilliance over time. This solution ARRIVED. It arrived like a mirage in leopard print clothes in the middle of a desert. 

The flavours are simple, yet surprise you with a burst of freshness. The aptly named Grape Summer Salad is purrfect for summer. The quick fix ensures the aspect of entering the kitchen doesn’t annoy you into an air conditioned restaurant. The grapes and capsicum completely fills you up while the sweet-tangy bite makes you feel light like feather.

This no-cook salad needs just these 7 simple things. 

 First, we slice the grapes in half. Because, we can. 

How juicy and sweet do these grapes look?! 

Just the perfect snack, I tell you. I don’t know why I reach for anything else.

Anyway, roughly chop up some capsicum. You can see how to kinda do it here.

Now, slice up the onions as thin as you can. You can learn how to do it here.

These delicate half moon strips will give this salad the crunch it needs. 

Throw the grapes, capsicum & onions into a big bowl.  Keep aside. 

Lime juice, sugar & rock salt – center stage.

I wonder why rock salt is so under appreciated? Its such a fancy ingredient. Its just salt, but it adds such pizzazz! 

Plus, the whole looking pink-purple thing doesn’t hurt either. 

Give these all a light mix together till the sugar is partially dissolved, and pour it into our big salad bowl.

Give it all a light mix with a spoon. Just a couple of roller coaster 360 turns type thing. All we need is this lemon juice to be equally spread across the bowl and give it a nice gloss.

And that it! You’re done.

Plate with a sprig of mint as garnish. Or not.

Have it as side of a summer meal. 

Have it as a summer meal if the heat doesn’t let you eat much.

Have it as a snack even!

This Grape Summer Salad isn’t only quick, simple and no-cook. It is just a burst of refreshment, filling and versatile. 

 

Go on. Throw this together. Try and enjoy the solution once in a while!  

(And yes, I finished the entire bowl by myself.)

(No, I’m not ashamed of it.)