| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 210 | 19g | 2g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 2g | 0.1g |
If you’ve ever tried my Endive and Radicchio Salad with Pecans, you’d understand why I’m absolutely enamoured with it. The dish weaves a tapestry of flavors and textures that remain with you long after the meal is over. It may not be your typical Beef Stew or Corn Casserole, both iconic dishes from my Nebraskan upbringing, but it overflows with the same love, warmth, and above all, farm-fresh wholesomeness.
One of the things I adore about preparing this salad is the artful blend of the Belgian endive, a mildly bitter leafy green, with the peppery bite of radicchio. The crunch of the pecans provides the perfect counterpoint to the softness of these greens while imparting a delicious nutty savoriness. Add a simple dressing of good quality olive oil, tangy fresh lemon juice, and honey for a slight hint of sweetness, and voila! A symphony of flavors that embodies the principles of heartland cooking just as much as any Midwestern comfort food.
Health Benefits of the Endive and Radicchio Salad with Pecans
But let’s not forget the health perks that come with this fantastic recipe. The star ingredients of this dish, the endive and radicchio, are both rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. They also contain high levels of vitamin K, which support bone health, and an array of other beneficial nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. The pecans add a punch of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants which improve heart health.
Pairing Suggestions for the Endive and Radicchio Salad with Pecans
This salad plays well with a wide variety of dishes. It’s wonderful as a light lunch with some artisanal bread on the side, or as a starter for a more substantial main course like pan-seared salmon or roasted chicken. You could even pair it with some classic Midwestern dishes; try it as a refreshing side to a rich, slow-cooked Beef Stew or mouth-watering Corn Casserole. The vibrant flavors of the salad complement and cut through the richness of these hearty mains beautifully.
Ultimately, what truly makes me love this Endive and Radicchio Salad with Pecans is its testament to the idea that good food does not need to be complex. With ingredients pulled freshly from the earth and combined with care, even the simplest salad becomes a memorable meal, a celebration of nature’s bounty and the Midwestern spirit of heartland cooking.
What You’ll Need
- 2 heads of Belgian endive
- 1 head of radicchio
- 1 cup of pecan halves
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by thoroughly washing the Belgian endive and radicchio. Once cleaned, chop them into bite-sized pieces, taking care to remove any bitter or browned areas.
Step Two
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Once done, remove from the skillet and allow them to cool.
Step Three
In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. This will serve as your dressing. Adjust salt and honey according to your taste.
Step Four
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped endive and radicchio. Add the cooled pecans to the salad.
Step Five
Finally, drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Enjoy your Endive and Radicchio Salad with Pecans!
