Radicchio Salad with Roasted Almonds, Apple, and Parmesan Recipe

If you are looking to brighten up your salad repertoire, this Radicchio Salad with Roasted Almonds, Apple, and Parmesan Recipe is the perfect choice. It’s a vibrant mix of slightly bitter radicchio, sweet and crisp apple, crunchy roasted almonds, and savory Parmesan that come together for a flavor-packed experience. Every bite offers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible dish you’ll want to share with friends or enjoy as a refreshing solo treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, lending a specific flavor, texture, or color that makes the dish feel fresh and exciting. You don’t need any complicated pantry staples here—just fresh, wholesome components that come together effortlessly.

• 1 small radicchio head: Adds beautiful deep purple color and a slightly bitter crunch to balance sweetness.
• 1 red apple: Provides juicy sweetness and crisp texture with every bite.
• 1 small red onion: Offers a subtle sharpness and lovely hint of pungency when thinly sliced.
• 1/3 cup raw almonds: Roasted for that toasty, nutty crunch that adds depth to the salad.
• 1/3 cup Parmesan: Freshly shaved to impart a rich, savory, and slightly salty finish.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning to bring all flavors together.
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Smooth and fruity, giving the salad a luscious coating and healthy fats.
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing, perfect for balancing the bitter radicchio.
• 1 tsp maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness to mellow sharpness and round out flavors.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle tangy kick and emulsifies the vinaigrette.

How to Make Radicchio Salad with Roasted Almonds, Apple, and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Almonds

Start by heating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (355°F). Spread the raw almonds evenly on a baking tray and roast them for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, stirring once or twice to ensure they brown evenly without burning. You’ll know they’re ready when their nutty aroma fills the kitchen and their color turns golden. Let them cool, then chop roughly to keep that satisfying crunch.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

While your almonds cool, grab your radicchio, red apple, and red onion. Roughly chop the radicchio to create bite-sized pieces that hold their texture. Core and cut the apple into thin, elegant strips for a juicy pop in every forkful. Finely slice the red onion so it melds gently into the salad without overwhelming the other flavors.

Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Shake or whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. This vinaigrette marries sweetness, tang, and richness, tying all the ingredients of the Radicchio Salad with Roasted Almonds, Apple, and Parmesan Recipe together beautifully.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Place the radicchio leaves, apple strips, and sliced onion into a large bowl. Pour over the vinaigrette and gently toss to coat the leaves without bruising them. Add the chopped roasted almonds and Parmesan shavings, then give the salad one final gentle toss. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and get ready to serve it immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.

How to Serve Radicchio Salad with Roasted Almonds, Apple, and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

Consider topping your salad with extra Parmesan shavings or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a burst of color and fragrance. A light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze can add a nuanced sweetness that enhances the roasted almonds and crisp apple beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it an ideal light accompaniment to a protein-rich main course. It also shines alongside rustic bread or a warm grain dish like quinoa or farro, creating a balanced, hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve your Radicchio Salad with Roasted Almonds, Apple, and Parmesan Recipe in individual clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors. You can also pile it high on a large wooden platter for a rustic, family-style vibe. Adding edible flowers as decoration can transform it into a show-stopping starter at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad without the dressing or almonds in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The radicchio and apple retain their crunch better this way. Add the almonds and dressing just before serving again.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The crispness of the radicchio and apple, as well as the texture of the almonds, would unfortunately degrade once frozen.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. Serve it cold or at room temperature for the best experience of the vibrant flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I substitute the almonds with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans make excellent alternatives, adding their own unique texture and nutty flavors, but be sure to roast them similarly to bring out the best taste.

Is radicchio very bitter?

Radicchio has a mild bitterness that is balanced beautifully by the sweet apple and maple syrup in this salad. If you prefer less bitterness, choose younger, smaller heads or even mix with some mild greens like arugula.

How should I slice the apple for best texture?

Thin strips work best as they provide crispness without overpowering the salad. You want each bite to have a delicate crunch that complements the radicchio.

Can I prepare the vinaigrette in advance?

Yes, the vinaigrette can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed jar. Just give it a good shake before tossing it with the salad.

What wine pairs well with this salad?

Try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Their acidity complements the tangy and bitter notes of the salad perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Radicchio Salad with Roasted Almonds, Apple, and Parmesan Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold contrasts that awaken your palate. It’s simple to make, full of personality, and perfect whenever you want to impress yourself or your guests without fuss. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s bound to become a beloved staple that you return to again and again!

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