Grilled Scallop Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Pairing: Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

 

For the salad

  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 lb fresh bay scallops
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 5 oz red leaf, lollo rosso or butter lettuce, roughly chopped
  • ⅓ cup radishes, thinly sliced
  • Sea salt flakes
  • 1 orange or tangerine, peeled and sectioned
  • ½ cup Citrus Vinaigrette, divided

 

For the citrus vinaigrette

  • 1 tsp pink peppercorns
  • ¼ cup plus 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange or tangerine juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of kosher salt

 

Method

To make the vinaigrette, cook the peppercorns in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly toasted, 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely, about 5 minutes.

Crush the toasted peppercorns. In a medium bowl, whisk together peppercorns, olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, tarragon, mustard and salt. Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.

Preheat grill to medium-high (about 450°F). Soak sliced onion in ice water for 10 minutes; drain well.

Place scallops, olive oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl and toss until scallops are evenly coated. Grill the scallops until grill marks appear, 1½–2 minutes on each side. Transfer scallops to a platter and drizzle with ¼ cup of the Citrus Vinaigrette.

In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, radishes, red onion and ¼ cup Citrus Vinaigrette. Divide the salad among four plates and top each with grilled scallops. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and serve with orange segments.

Serves 4.