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Yes. This is the perfect salad for fall. Loaded with the best autumn fruits and veggies. It’s sweet, savoury and full of different lovely textures. Walnuts, caramelised onions, grapes, pear and olives, shall I say anything else?
It’s crazy, where the hell did summer go? Not that it’s bad, I love autumn, I love grapes, figs, pumpkin and apples. I love walking in my favourite sweaters under the lovely orange trees and listening to some melancholic music. I also love fall soups and pastas. And salads. Just like this one. Healthy, satisfying and seriously delicious.
Let me end now with a little personal story. I’m sure you know the great joke. How can you tell if someone is a vegan? Don’t worry they will fucking tell you…Hahaha, so funny. So true. Or not. At least not for me. Actually that’s what I’m just about to tell you, so I guess it’s true at the end. But you would be surprised how many people don’t know this about me.
I have been vegetarian for a very long time and now vegan for the past few months. In fact I was transitioning for quite some time but something always kept me back from saying I’m vegan. I guess because there are so many things I don’t like about the vegan community. Some people constantly make a battle of who is the better vegan. Who is louder. As if you don’t preach about veganism all the time you are a bad one. If you don’t share on Facebook shocking pictures of killed animals, you are not a real vegan. If you pin a pictures with an egg on it because you found the photography stunning, you are evil and not consequent. If you say the theory of speciesism is stupid, you are crazy. Not to mention if you dare to have non-vegan friends. My list could go on forever….
I don’t want to criticise anybody, all I want is to explain you why I don’t believe in strict categories and rules. I am not consuming animal products because I believe in equality and love, and I don’t believe in hate and judgement. I think veganism shouldn’t mean you only love animals but everybody. I hope you feel the same. And now let’s eat!
The Perfect Salad for Fall
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 2-4 1x
Ingredients
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 large handful of arugula
- 1 cup of grapes
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup of walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup of olives
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp coconut sugar
- 1+2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lime, juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp mustard
- thyme
- salt, pepper
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a frying pan over low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 10 minutes, then add coconut sugar and vinegar and cook for 5 more minutes or until onions are soft and caramelised. Stir onions occasionally.
- Meanwhile add arugula, pear, grapes, walnuts and olives to a salad bowl and prepare dressing.
- Mix together 2 tablespoons of oil with juice of a lime, maple syrup, mustard and seasoning. Pour over the salad.
- Add onions to the salad too. Mix everything together. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Salad
O how I love grapes <3 One of the best fruits for any salad! The perfect sweet pop for that bitter (but lovely) arugula!
Same with me! I am so happy they are finally in season 🙂
Now my freezer will be also full with them!
I appreciate your comments regarding “the subject”. I am plant based – but many people do not know what that means, so often i just say vegan for a better description. Yikes. I had no idea how many sterotypes were associated with that word! Oh well! I just don’t take it to heart. Eat healthy and well and be blessed with good Health
Thank you for your comment, Christine!
Yes, there are so many stupid stereotypes, I really think it’s nobody’s business how you decide to eat and live your life.
Big up for plant based lifestyle!
I don’t tell people I’m vegan either!! Many times when I’d reluctantly tell people about my choice, they’d make really rude / disparaging comments. One guy even talked about how delicious cows are and starting mooing in my face. Cows are one of my favorite animals, and the whole experience reduced me to tears. I tried to console myself by telling myself that this guy is an idiot, and has a terrible diet (which you can see the effects of on his body). But I don’t understand how people can be so awful about it. Why is it so hard for people to be kind?? It’s very upsetting.
I really don’t get it. It’s not so difficult to keep your jerk comments to yourself.
Though I have to say I’m totally used to the stupid comments, I grew up with them. For almost 10 years I didn’t even know anybody else who doesn’t eat meat. And people are always so funny, telling you how delicious meat is….But I try to not listen to their bullshit 😀
P.S. I love cows too!
Grapes, pear, walnuts, balsamic on one plate?! — where has this salad been all my life? 🙂 Sounds and looks amazing and I agree — it’s a perfect fall-inspired recipe — love it!
Thank you, Audrey!
Yummm! I love the combo of fruits, veg and crunchy bits in this salad! This is definitely the best time of year…
It sucks that you even have to think about how people will judge you about your choices because of the stereotypes out there about vegans. Just being kind to each other can go such a long way.
Thank you, Hannah!
I totally agree with you, being kind has never failed 🙂
You’re right, Evi – there are a lot of good things in fall. Gorgeous colors, pumpkin carving (never done that though, but it sounds like a good example, haha), seasonal produce, and hearty delicious meals! Being a master in salads (a humble master!), I’ve approved this awesome combo!:) Well done, indeed!
Yes! So much goodness!
I’ve tried to crave pumpkins before but it was always a massive fail. Probably this year it’s gonna get better 😀
I totally agree with you.
It was great to read this post. Thank you so much!
So nice to hear that 🙂
Hello! I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog today. This salad looks delicious!! I love the idea of pears and walnuts in a salad – definitely epitomizes fall. Yum!
Thanks, Dani!
Well said, Evi! I recently stopped eating land animals (still eating seafood on accession and eggs and some dairy) but maybe one day I will give those up, too. When I tell people I’m not eating land animals anymore, some of them say “well I am” or “oh well how is that going for you?” In a condescending tone. Sadly, I’ve noticed a lot of negative behavior from the vegan community, too. I agree with you – can’t we appreciate everyone and every animal?
This salad is lovely and is perfect for fall. Lovely photos, too. 🙂
Thanks, Julie!
Yes, a lots of negative comments from every side. Like it doesn’t even matter what you do (or eat), you are always wrong.
But I think it only matters you feel happy and healthy with whatever you choose to eat and whoever you choose to love 🙂
Wow! This is such a gorgeous looking summer salad, Evi. I am loving all the stunning and delicious flavors here! I wish I could have this right now for lunch. YUM!
Thanks, Anu!
I love everything you do and say. I have never commented here before, but I really appreciate you shared your opinion, that’s why I wanted to say hello.
Spread the love!
Hey Emily,
Thanks for this lovely comment, totally made my day 🙂