Vibrant Radicchio Salad with Citrus and Feta: A Simple Elegant Recipe

Radicchio salad transforms ordinary meals into vibrant, restaurant-worthy experiences. With its striking deep purple leaves and pleasantly bitter flavor, radicchio creates the perfect canvas for sweet, tangy, and savory elements to shine. This radicchio salad recipe balances the natural bitterness with juicy citrus, sweet pears, and creamy feta for a sophisticated yet simple dish.

Why This Radicchio Salad Works

The beauty of this radicchio salad lies in its balance of contrasting elements. The slight bitterness of radicchio is perfectly tempered by sweet pears, bright oranges, and a honey-sumac dressing that ties everything together. Whether served as a stunning side dish or light lunch, this endive radicchio salad delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Perfect Radicchio Salad

The Fresh Components

• 1 head radicchio
• 1 pear, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 navel orange, peeled and segmented
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

The Sumac-Honey Dressing

• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

How to Make Radicchio Salad Step by Step

Preparing the Radicchio

1. Core the radicchio head by cutting around the tough white core at the base.
2. Gently separate the leaves and tear larger ones into bite-sized pieces.
3. For a less bitter flavor, soak the radicchio leaves in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels.
4. Arrange the dried radicchio leaves on a large serving platter, creating a colorful base for your salad.

Assembling Your Perfect Radicchio Salad

1. Artfully arrange the orange segments and pear slices over the bed of radicchio leaves.
2. Scatter the thinly sliced shallots evenly across the salad.
3. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and crumbled feta cheese over the top.
4. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic and fresh lemon juice.
5. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and sumac.
6. Add honey and whisk to combine.
7. While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the dressing emulsifies.
8. Pour the dressing over the radicchio salad just before serving.
9. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly without bruising the leaves.

Radicchio Salad Tips & Variations

Ways to Customize Your Radicchio Salad

• Replace walnuts with toasted pine nuts, hazelnuts, or almonds for different texture and flavor.
• Swap feta for shaved parmesan, goat cheese, or blue cheese depending on your preference.
• Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess that beautifully complements the bitter radicchio.
• Mix in other bitter greens like endive or escarole for a more complex radicchio and endive salad.
• Include dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for additional sweetness and color.
• Add protein like grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a hearty main.
• For a fennel radicchio salad variation, add thinly sliced fennel bulb for a refreshing, anise-like crunch.

Taming Radicchio’s Bitterness

• Soaking radicchio in cold water for 30 minutes before using can significantly reduce its bitter edge.
• Grilling radicchio wedges before chopping creates a grilled radicchio salad with caramelized notes that balance the bitterness.
• Pairing with sweet ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or ripe fruits helps balance the natural bitterness.
• A brief ice bath after slicing will crisp up the leaves and can mellow the flavor.
• Salting the leaves lightly and letting them rest for 10 minutes can draw out some bitterness; just rinse and dry well afterward.

Perfect Radicchio Pairings

• Mix radicchio with milder greens like arugula for an arugula radicchio salad that tempers the intensity.
• Combine radicchio with thinly sliced fennel for a classic fennel radicchio salad with complementary flavors.
• Add citrus segments like grapefruit or blood oranges to contrast the bitterness with bright acidity.
• Include roasted root vegetables like beets or sweet potatoes for earthy sweetness.
• Incorporate crisp apple or pear slices for juicy sweetness against the bold radicchio.

Salad Dressings That Pair Well With Radicchio Salad

Complementary Homemade Dressing Options

• Creamy Feta Dressing: The tangy, creamy nature of this yogurt-based dressing perfectly balances radicchio’s bitterness while echoing the feta in the salad.
• Zesty Lemon Basil Vinaigrette: Fresh herbs and bright citrus complement the complex flavors in this radicchio salad recipe, bringing a lively, aromatic element.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette: The sweet-tart profile of balsamic vinegar helps tame radicchio’s bite while enhancing the fruity components in the salad.
• Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing: With its slight sweetness and gentle acidity, this dressing brings warmth to radicchio salad recipes and pairs beautifully with the walnuts.

What to Serve With Radicchio Salad

Main Dishes That Complement This Salad

Radicchio salad shines as a side dish to grilled or roasted proteins. The bitter-sweet balance in this salad makes it an excellent companion to rich main dishes, where it provides a refreshing contrast.

Protein Pairings

• Oven-Roasted Boneless Chicken Thighs: The rich flavor of tender chicken thighs pairs perfectly with the bright, bitter notes of the radicchio salad.
• Grilled salmon or steak
• Roasted turkey or rotisserie chicken
• White beans or lentils (for vegetarian options)

Hearty Accompaniments

• Crusty artisan bread
• Creamy risotto
• Roasted potatoes
• Simple pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs

This radicchio salad also makes a stunning addition to holiday tables or special occasions, bringing vibrant color and sophisticated flavor to your spread.

Storage Tips for Radicchio Salad

Keeping Your Salad Fresh

Radicchio salad is best enjoyed fresh, but with proper storage, you can maintain its quality for a short time:

• Dressed salad: Once dressed, radicchio salad should be consumed within 2-3 hours for optimal texture and flavor. The dressing will continue to break down the leaves, making them softer over time.

• Undressed components: Store the prepared radicchio leaves, sliced fruits, and other components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Dressing storage: The sumac-honey dressing can be made ahead and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using, as the ingredients will naturally separate.

• Reviving wilted radicchio: If your radicchio begins to wilt, soak the leaves in ice water for 10 minutes to help them crisp up again before using.

For the best presentation and taste, assemble this radicchio and endive salad just before serving, particularly when entertaining guests.

FAQs About Radicchio Salad

Embracing the Beauty of Radicchio Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about a well-crafted radicchio salad that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish. The vibrant purple leaves create a stunning visual foundation, while the interplay of bitter, sweet, tangy, and creamy elements makes every bite a delightful experience.

This versatile salad stands on its own as a light meal or shines as a side dish alongside your favorite protein. The combination of radicchio, sweet fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese creates a satisfying texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

Whether you’re new to cooking with radicchio or a longtime fan of this beautiful Italian chicory, this radicchio salad recipe offers an accessible way to enjoy its unique flavor. By following these simple steps and customizing to your taste, you’ll create a memorable dish that might just become a regular in your meal rotation.

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