Name: Radicchio Salad with Citrus Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 sourdough bread; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; ¾ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; ½ cup Walnuts; 2 citrus fruits; 1 small head radicchio; 2 cups arugula; ¼ cup feta cheese

This radiant radicchio salad with citrus is a delightful mix of tangy, sweet, and bitter flavors that will stimulate your palate. The crunchy walnuts, crumbled feta, and homemade sourdough croutons provide a wonderful texture contrast to the soft citrus segments and tender salad leaves. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to brighten up a meal.

Photos of Radicchio Salad with Citrus Recipe

This salad incorporates radicchio, a leaf chicory that might not be a regular on your shopping list. It has a slightly bitter flavor that is complemented wonderfully by the sweetness of the citrus. In supermarkets, it's usually found in the produce section, near other salad greens. Citrus fruits are used here, which can be any variety you prefer - oranges, grapefruits, lemons, or limes for an added tang. Sourdough bread, used for making croutons, is a type of bread made from naturally occurring yeast and bacteria in flour.

Radicchio Salad with Citrus Ingredients

sourdough bread: This is used to make croutons which adds a crunchy texture to the salad.

extra-virgin olive oil: It's used to dress the salad and to toast the bread and walnuts.

kosher salt: This is used to season the salad and the croutons.

ground black pepper: Adds a bit of spice to the salad.

walnuts: These are toasted and added to the salad for a bit of crunch.

citrus fruits: Any variety can be used. They're segmented and added to the salad, and their juice is also used in the vinaigrette.

radicchio: A type of leafy chicory that's slightly bitter. It's the main ingredient of the salad.

arugula: This peppery green adds a bit of bite to the salad.

feta cheese: This is crumbled over the salad for a tangy flavor.

One reader, Antoine Curley says:

This radicchio salad with citrus recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tangy citrus, crunchy walnuts, and peppery arugula is simply divine. The homemade croutons add a delightful crunch, and the citrus vinaigrette ties everything together perfectly. It's a refreshing and satisfying salad that's become a staple in my kitchen.

Antoine Curley

Techniques Required for Radicchio Salad with Citrus Recipe

How to make the croutons: Toss bread with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake until golden and crunchy.

How to toast the nuts: Toast the nuts in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant and toasted, stirring occasionally.

How to peel and segment the citrus: Cut off the top and bottom, then slice away the peel and pith. Carefully cut out the citrus segments over a bowl to collect the juice.

How to make the citrus vinaigrette: Combine citrus juice, olive oil, pepper, and salt in a mason jar or bowl, then shake or whisk until emulsified.

How to assemble the salad: Toss radicchio and arugula with the vinaigrette, then add croutons, walnuts, citrus segments, and feta cheese and toss until combined.

How to serve: Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or individual bowls for serving.

How To Make Radicchio Salad with Citrus

Radicchio salad is a bitter-sweet salad recipe that you’ll definitely love eating. Add your favorite salad veggies to complete this recipe.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3sourdough bread,slices, about 2 cups, torn into bite-sized pieces
¼cupextra-virgin olive oil,plus 3 tablespoons, divided
¾tspkosher salt
¼tspground black pepper
½cupwalnuts,chopped
2citrus fruits,like orange, lemon, and/or grapefruit
1small head radicchio,about 4 cups, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces
2cupsarugula
¼cupfeta cheese,crumbled

Instructions

Croutons:

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the bread pieces on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with ¼ cup of olive oil.
Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt and bake, tossing the bread on the baking sheet partway through, until golden and crunchy for about 15 minutes; let cool.
While the croutons are in the oven, toast the nuts in a medium-sized skillet set over medium heat on the stovetop until fragrant and toasted for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Stay near the pan, and stir the nuts occasionally. Let cool.
For each fruit, cut about an inch off the top and bottom just so some of the flesh is exposed. Set the fruit with the cut-side down on a cutting board.
Start at the top, and slice down the side of the fruit with a sharp knife, cutting away the peel and the pith, exposing the flesh. Then carefully cut out the citrus segments over a bowl to collect the juice.
Once all of the segments have been removed, squeeze the juice from what’s left of the fruit into the same bowl. Drain the juice from the segments and keep them separate.

Citrus vinaigrette:

In a mason jar or small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of the reserved citrus juice with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add pepper and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Secure the lid if using a jar, and shake vigorously for a few seconds until emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together.

To assemble the salad:

Add the radicchio and arugula to a large bowl. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss until evenly coated. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
Add the croutons, walnuts, citrus segments, and feta cheese, and toss until evenly combined.
Transfer to a large serving bowl for family-style eating, or divide among individual bowls for serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 756.40kcal
Fat: 16.44g
Saturated Fat: 3.48g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.76g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.23g
Carbohydrates: 125.79g
Fiber: 5.57g
Sugar: 11.58g
Protein: 27.14g
Cholesterol: 5.56mg
Sodium: 1507.42mg
Calcium: 169.97mg
Potassium: 357.41mg
Iron: 9.68mg
Vitamin A: 15.93µg
Vitamin C: 2.20mg

Technique Tip for Preparing Radicchio Salad with Citrus

When toasting walnuts, it's important to keep a close eye on them. Nuts can burn quickly due to their high oil content. To prevent this, stir them frequently and remove them from the heat as soon as they become fragrant. This will ensure your walnuts are perfectly toasted and ready to add a delicious crunch to your radicchio salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Radicchio Salad with Citrus

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Multi-task: Utilize downtime, such as while waiting for water to boil, to complete other prep tasks.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.

Efficient tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors and mandolines to speed up prep work.

Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to easily locate ingredients and tools.

Substitute Ingredients For Radicchio Salad with Citrus Recipe

sourdough bread - Substitute with ciabatta bread: Ciabatta bread has a similar chewy texture and crusty exterior, making it a suitable substitute for sourdough in this recipe.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a good alternative for extra-virgin olive oil in this recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in equal amounts, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as a substitute for black pepper, adding a different dimension to the dish.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a suitable substitute for walnuts in this recipe.
citrus fruits - Substitute with blood oranges: Blood oranges offer a unique and vibrant flavor, adding a colorful twist to the dish while maintaining the citrusy element.
radicchio - Substitute with endive: Endive has a slightly milder bitterness and a similar crisp texture, making it a good substitute for radicchio in salads.
arugula - Substitute with watercress: Watercress has a peppery flavor and a similar tender texture, making it a suitable substitute for arugula in this recipe.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a suitable substitute for feta in this recipe.

Best Way to Present Radicchio Salad with Citrus

Elevate the croutons: Create artisanal sourdough croutons by cutting them into uniform shapes and sizes, and arranging them in a visually appealing manner on the plate.
Showcase the citrus segments: Arrange the citrus segments in a circular pattern around the salad, creating a vibrant and colorful display that highlights the freshness of the fruit.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, to add a touch of elegance and a pop of color to the dish.
Use a unique serving vessel: Present the salad in a stylish and modern ceramic bowl, adding a contemporary touch to the overall presentation.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a handful of vibrant microgreens over the salad to add a burst of freshness and a visually appealing contrast to the dish.
Create a balanced composition: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring a harmonious balance of colors, textures, and flavors in every bite.
Add a drizzle of citrus vinaigrette: Use a steady hand to drizzle the citrus vinaigrette in an artistic manner, adding a final touch of flavor and visual interest to the dish.

Essential Tools for Making a Delicious Radicchio Salad

Oven: Used for baking and toasting the sourdough bread and walnuts.
Rimmed baking sheet: Used to hold the bread pieces while baking and toasting.
Skillet: Used for toasting the walnuts on the stovetop.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for segmenting the citrus fruits.
Sharp knife: Used for segmenting the citrus fruits and cutting the bread.
Mason jar or small bowl: Used for mixing and emulsifying the citrus vinaigrette.

How To Store and Freeze Radicchio Salad

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To keep the croutons crisp, store them separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, you can segment the citrus fruits, toast the walnuts, and make the croutons up to 2 days ahead. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator or at room temperature, as appropriate.
Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the radicchio and arugula from wilting and the croutons from becoming soggy.
This salad does not freeze well due to the delicate nature of the greens and the high water content of the citrus fruits. It is best to enjoy it fresh or store it in the refrigerator for a short period.

How To Reheat Leftover Radicchio Salad

To reheat leftover radicchio salad with citrus, start by removing any croutons or nuts from the salad and set them aside. These ingredients tend to lose their crunch when stored with the dressed greens and can become soggy when reheated.
Place the remaining salad (including the radicchio, arugula, and citrus segments) in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to help maintain moisture and prevent the greens from drying out during the reheating process.
Microwave the salad on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the salad, as this can cause the greens to wilt and become mushy.
Once the salad is warm, remove it from the microwave and transfer it to a serving bowl. Add the reserved croutons and toasted walnuts back to the salad, and give it a gentle toss to combine.
If the salad seems a bit dry after reheating, you can drizzle a small amount of fresh citrus vinaigrette over the top to help revive the flavors and add some moisture. To make a quick vinaigrette, whisk together equal parts citrus juice and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, crumble some fresh feta cheese over the top of the warm salad to add a tangy, salty flavor and creamy texture that complements the bitter radicchio and sweet citrus.
Serve the reheated radicchio salad immediately, while it's still warm and the croutons and nuts are crisp. Enjoy your delicious, revived leftover salad!

Random Fact about Radicchio Salad with Citrus

The radicchio salad with citrus recipe is a delightful combination of bitter and sweet flavors, creating a refreshing and vibrant dish.

Is Making Radicchio Salad with Citrus Economical for Home Cooking?

The cost-effectiveness of this radicchio salad with citrus recipe is quite favorable. The main ingredients, such as sourdough bread, citrus fruits, and walnuts, are relatively affordable and widely available. The use of seasonal produce and simple pantry staples makes it a budget-friendly option for a household. The approximate cost for a family of four would be around $15-$20, making it a cost-effective and nutritious choice. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8/10, considering its balance of flavors, nutritional value, and affordability.

Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The radicchio salad with citrus recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of nutrients from various ingredients. The salad incorporates nutrient-dense vegetables like radicchio and arugula, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The citrus fruits provide a good source of vitamin C, while the walnuts offer healthy fats, protein, and fiber. The feta cheese adds calcium and protein to the dish, but it also contributes saturated fat and sodium.

However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the vinaigrette and for toasting the bread to lower the overall calorie and fat content
Choose a whole-grain sourdough bread for the croutons to increase the fiber content
Opt for a reduced-fat feta cheese to minimize saturated fat intake
Add more vegetables to the salad, such as sliced fennel or red onion, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
Include a lean protein source, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the salad a more complete and satisfying meal

By making these minor adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the salad while still maintaining its delicious flavors and textures. The combination of crisp, bitter radicchio, peppery arugula, juicy citrus, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta creates a well-rounded and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or as a side salad with dinner.

Editor's Thoughts on This Refreshing Salad Recipe

The radicchio salad with citrus recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of sourdough croutons adds a satisfying crunch, while the citrus segments bring a refreshing brightness to the dish. The walnuts provide a lovely nuttiness, and the feta cheese adds a creamy, salty element. The citrus vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy and zesty notes. Overall, this salad is a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and savory, making it a wonderful addition to any meal.

Enhance Your Radicchio Salad with Citrus Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection and topped with a savory garlic parmesan crust.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with a sticky honey glaze for the perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors.

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon: Juicy pineapple slices grilled to caramelized perfection and dusted with a hint of warm cinnamon for a delightful tropical side dish.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Rich and creamy risotto infused with earthy mushrooms for a comforting and indulgent side dish.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets roasted with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic for a vibrant and flavorful side dish.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Radicchio Salad with Citrus

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl: This hearty and nutritious bowl is packed with roasted vegetables and protein-rich quinoa, making it a satisfying and delicious meal.

Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken: A flavorful and juicy roast chicken marinated in zesty lemon and garlic, perfect for a comforting and impressive dinner.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: A creamy and tropical dessert made with fresh mango, coconut milk, and chia seeds, creating a healthy and indulgent treat.

Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Radicchio Salad with Citrus

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The earthy mushrooms provide the perfect vessel for this rich and satisfying bite.

Bruschetta: Elevate the classic bruschetta by topping crispy bread with a variety of fresh and vibrant ingredients. From juicy tomatoes and basil to creamy burrata and tangy balsamic glaze, the possibilities for creating a delicious bruschetta are endless.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Berry Parfait: Layer juicy mixed berries with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola for a refreshing and light dessert. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with different textures, creates a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Radicchio Salad with Citrus Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring the freshness of citrus fruits and the slight bitterness of radicchio, balanced with the peppery notes of arugula. The use of sourdough bread croutons adds a satisfying crunch, while the toasty walnuts bring a rich nuttiness. The citrus vinaigrette, made with freshly squeezed citrus juice and olive oil, ties everything together with its bright and zesty profile. The inclusion of creamy feta cheese adds a final touch of indulgence. Trust in this recipe for a refreshing and flavorful salad experience.

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FAQ:

Can I use a different type of bread for the croutons?

Yes, you can use different types of bread for the croutons, such as whole wheat, multigrain, or even gluten-free bread if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I substitute the walnuts with a different type of nut?

Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even pine nuts for a different flavor and texture in the salad.

How can I make this salad more filling?

To make this salad more filling, you can add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also add cooked grains like quinoa or farro to make it a heartier meal.

Can I prepare the citrus vinaigrette in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the citrus vinaigrette in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good shake or stir before using it on the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While the croutons are best when freshly made, you can prepare the other components of the salad ahead of time. Store the dressed greens, toasted nuts, and citrus segments separately, and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.