Chicory Salad Recipe

Chicory salad is a refreshing and healthy dish that combines the slightly bitter flavor of chicory (also known as endive or witloof) with the crispness of other greens and a tangy dressing. It’s especially popular in Italy and pairs beautifully with richer dishes like creamy cheeses or roasted meats.

Let me show you how I make this vibrant salad, drawing inspiration from Italy’s simple yet flavorful approach to fresh ingredients. This salad is quite versatile, and I’ll guide you through it step by step.

What to Expect:

This salad is light and refreshing, with the bitterness of the chicory balanced by the citrusy sweetness of the dressing. The watercress adds a peppery note, and the spring onions provide a mild bite.

Chicory Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Course: Side dish or starter

Ingredients:

• 2 chicory (leaves separated and washed)
• 4 Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated and washed
• Handful of watercress, washed
• 1 bunch of red spring onions, finely sliced
• 6 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Chicory Salad here.

Equipment Needed:

• Large salad bowl
• Small bowl for the dressing
• Whisk
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Chicory Salad here.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Begin by washing and preparing the greens. Separate and wash the chicory leaves, Little Gem lettuce, and watercress. Slice the red spring onions thinly.
2. Make the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh orange juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, combine the chicory, Little Gem lettuce, watercress, and red spring onions.
4. Dress the Salad:
   Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve:
   Divide the salad into individual servings and enjoy immediately!

Variations & Tips:

• Add Cheese: A sprinkle of blue cheese or goat cheese works wonderfully if you want a creamy element to balance the bitterness of the chicory.
• Substitute the Mustard: For a milder dressing, you can substitute Dijon mustard with honey or balsamic vinegar for a sweeter flavor.
• Add Protein: To make this salad more filling, you can add grilled chicken, tuna, or even a boiled egg.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Chicory Salad here.

Dietary Substitutions:

• Vegan: This salad is naturally vegan as long as you skip any cheese.
• Gluten-Free: This salad is gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: If adding cheese is too much, simply omit it.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Fat: 8.8g (1.2g saturated)
• Protein: 0.9g
• Carbohydrates: 2g (1.4g sugar)
• Salt: 0.1g

Notes:

This chicory salad is ideal for pairing with heavier Italian dishes like lasagna or roasted meats, and it can also serve as a great starter for a light lunch. The dressing brings a fresh zing, which is perfect for cutting through richer, creamier foods.

I hope this guide has made making chicory salad seem a little less daunting or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comment below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!