Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
231 | 19g | 5g | 11g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
7g | 4g | 6g | 0.36g |
When it comes to simple elegance with a twist, nothing quite comes close to this Endive, Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad recipe. Combining the sweet and tart flavor of apples with the biting zest of blue cheese and the earthy crunch of walnuts, this salad is the epitome of balance– a sensibility acquired from years of perfecting the art of Southern cooking.
A Fusion of Flavors
Raised in the heart of Charleston, I’ve grown fond of the tangy, piquant flavor of mustard-based dressings, an element I decided to incorporate into this Endive, Blue Cheese and Walnut salad. This salad is elevated by a delicate concoction of Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and smooth olive oil, with the kick of minced garlic. The tangy dressing brings a slight Southern touch, providing a unique flavor profile reminiscent of the famous Carolina Gold sauce. It could even remind some of a more sophisticated Waldorf Salad (Allrecipes link), thanks to the apple and walnut combination.
Healthy Indulgence
Sure, it’s a delight for the palate, but this salad also brings an abundance of health benefits to the table. Walnuts, for example, contain high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids that have been known to help improve heart health (Healthline link). Combined with the antioxidant-rich apples and fiber-rich endive (Health Benefits Times link), this salad is a nutrient-packed dish that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Pairs Perfectly
While this salad is absolutely delicious on its own, it can also be served as a great accompaniment to several other dishes. Try pairing it with a Southern-style roasted chicken, or a seafood dish to add a touch of coastal flair to your meal. If you’re in the mood for some Southern comfort food, this dish pairs particularly well with my signature biscuits and fried chicken. Once you try it, I’m confident that it would quickly become a beloved choice for your table, no matter the occasion.
What You’ll Need
- 3 heads Belgian endive
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 large apples, thinly sliced
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Clean and chop the 3 heads of Belgian endive and the 2 cups of mixed salad greens. Set them aside.
Step Two
Take the 2 large apples, thinly slice them, and add them to the endive and greens.
Step Three
Add 1 cup of crumbled blue cheese and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the salad mixture.
Step Four
Prepare the dressing in a separate bowl. Start by whisking together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add salt and black pepper to this mixture to suit your taste.
Step Five
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Toss the salad to mix well and serve immediately. Enjoy your Endive, Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad!