• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pinch and Swirl
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • About
  • Free Recipe EBook
  • My Saved Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • About
  • Free Recipe EBook
  • My Saved Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Recipes » Salad Recipes

    Radicchio Salad

    Published: Sep 7, 2023 by Marissa Stevens · 4 Comments

    Gluten FreeVegetarianQuick Meals

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Radicchio Salad captures the essence of sophisticated simplicity. A chic yet easy-to-make dish, this salad pairs the unique, slightly bitter taste of radicchio with the milder flavors of butter lettuce and ripe pear. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a peaceful meal, this 20-minute recipe delivers elegance without demanding hours in the kitchen.

    Radicchio Salad on a white salad plate photographed from the top.

    Imagine a refreshing combination of crisp radicchio leaves, velvety butter lettuce, and delicate pear slices, embellished by the tang of crumbled gorgonzola and the crunch of coarsely chopped pecans. A drizzle of homemade White Balsamic Vinaigrette to finish creates a well-balanced dish that complements just about any main course.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients You Need to Make Radicchio Salad
    • Recipe Options
    • Recipe Tips
    • How to Toast Pecans (Optional)
    • More Great Ways to Enjoy Radicchio
    • How to Make Radicchio Salad
    • Recipe Video
    • Radicchio Salad
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients You Need to Make Radicchio Salad

    Ingredients for Radicchio Salad on a linen cloth.

    For the Salad

    • Radicchio: Look for heads that are compact and have a rich purple color.
    • Butter Lettuce: Choose leaves that are vibrant and crisp.
    • Pear: Use a ripe but firm pear; a Bosc or Anjou pear works well.
    • Gorgonzola Cheese: Choose a crumbly, mild variety.
    • Pecans: Use fresh pecans that are either raw or toasted.
    White Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients on a linen cloth.

    For the Vinaigrette

    • White Balsamic Vinegar: Opt for a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
    • Dijon Mustard: Choose a smooth variety without any added spices.
    • Honey: Use raw honey if available for the most complex flavor.
    • Shallot: Pick a shallot that is firm and free from any signs of sprouting.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use one that is cold-pressed for a richer flavor.
    • Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

    All About Radicchio

    Radicchio (Italian chicory), often considered the gem of Italian leafy vegetables, brings a touch of bitterness that balances out the flavors in many dishes. This vibrant purple and white leafy vegetable is not just visually stunning but also packs a nutritional punch. Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, radicchio offers more than just aesthetic appeal. Whether grilled, roasted, or served fresh in salads like this one, radicchio adds complexity and depth that make any dish more memorable.

    Close up of Radicchio Salad served.

    Recipe Options

    • If you're not a fan of Gorgonzola, blue cheese or feta cheese make excellent substitutes, each offering its own unique tang.
    • Switch out the white balsamic vinegar for other nuanced options like Champagne vinegar, sherry vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
    • For a different touch of sweetness in the vinaigrette, swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
    • Prefer a different fruit? Replace the pear with a thinly sliced sweet apple for a different yet delicious crunch.
    • Instead of manually whisking the vinaigrette, you can use a food processor to quickly blend all the ingredients.
    • Add a handful of dried cranberries for a sweet and tart element.

    Recipe Tips

    • Make the vinaigrette ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together; just give it a quick whisk before drizzling.
    • Tear the radicchio and butter lettuce by hand instead of using a knife; this helps prevent the leaves from browning.
    • For a more intense nutty flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the salad. (instructions below)
    Radicchio Salad served on a white plate with radicchio and pear in the background.

    How to Toast Pecans (Optional)

    Toasting pecans is a simple way to enhance their flavor and crunch. Place the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through for even toasting. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Once they're golden brown and aromatic, remove them from the oven and let them cool before using.

    More Great Ways to Enjoy Radicchio

    • Fregola Sarda with Radicchio and Hazelnuts
    • Stone Fruit, Radicchio and Pine Nut Salad
    • Delicata Squash Salad with Creamy Tarragon Dressing
    • Smoked Salmon Salad with Farro & Goat Cheese

    How to Make Radicchio Salad

    In a bowl, mix vinegar, mustard, honey, and shallot. Slowly add oil while whisking to blend. Season with salt and pepper, then chill in a pitcher until use.

    vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl.
    vinaigrette emulsified in a glass bowl.

    Place radicchio and butter lettuce in a large bowl, add most of the vinaigrette, and toss. Top with pear, gorgonzola, and pecans, then finish with extra vinaigrette as needed.

    radicchio and butter lettuce dressed on a white plate.
    radicchio salad on a plate ready to serve.

    Recipe Video

    SUBSCRIBE TO VIDEOS

    Radicchio Salad on a white salad plate photographed from the top.

    Radicchio Salad

    Marissa Stevens
    Pleasant bitterness meets creamy tang and nutty crunch in this 20-minute salad that's perfect for both quiet evenings and festive get-togethers.
    5 from 1 vote
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 286 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    For the Vinaigrette

    • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon minced shallot
    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

    For the Salad

    • 1 small head radicchio washed, dried and torn into bite sized pieces
    • 1 small head butter lettuce washed, dried and torn into bite sized pieces
    • 1 ripe pear halved, core removed and thinly sliced
    • 2 ounces crumbled gorgonzola cheese
    • 2 ounces coarsely chopped pecans

    Instructions
     

    To Make Vinaigrette

    • In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, mustard, honey, and shallot together until well combined. Add oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until emulsified. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to serving pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.

    To Assemble the Salad

    • Add radicchio and butter lettuce to a large salad bowl or serving platter; drizzle about ⅔ of the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat (or a bit less if you want your salad lightly dressed). Arrange pear slices over salad and sprinkle with gorgonzola cheese and pecans; drizzle with desired amount of dressing to finish. Serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 286kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 5gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 174mgPotassium: 205mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1466IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 102mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Salad Recipes

    • One bite of Cauliflower Potato Salad on a fork from a white serving bowl photographed at an angle.
      Cauliflower Potato Salad
    • Ahi Tuna Salad served in a black bowl and photographed from the top.
      Ahi Tuna Salad
    • Sesame Ginger Dressing served in a small glass jar with a golden spoon.
      Sesame Ginger Dressing
    • White Balsamic Vinaigrette served in a small glass jar.
      White Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Valentina says

      September 11, 2023 at 9:46 am

      This is such a beautiful "welcome fall" salad! I love pears in a salad and the white balsamic vinaigrette is lovely! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        September 18, 2023 at 12:11 pm

        Thanks so much, Valentina!

        Reply
    2. Ben | Havocinthekitchen says

      September 08, 2023 at 4:42 pm

      5 stars
      Wonderful! We eat a lot of salads, but I use radicchio so rarely. Thank you for a delicious reminder that this salad has a unique pleasant bitterness that pairs so beautifully with juicy pears, piquant cheese, and nuts.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        September 18, 2023 at 12:12 pm

        Thank you, Ben!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    The best food happens at home. I love delicious food prepared simply with fresh ingredients and that’s just what you’ll find here! You can count on me for well tested, mouthwatering recipes designed for home cooks. Learn more →

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Facebook
    12 Recipes to Know by Heart Book Cover
    Subscribe for Free E-Cookbook

    Reader Favorites

    • Oven Roasted Crispy Pork Belly
    • lemon garlic pasta served in a white bowl
      Lemon Garlic Pasta
    • Carne-Asada thinly sliced across the grain featured
      Carne Asada Recipe
    • Shrimp Tacos served on a white oval platter with extra sauce on the side.
      Shrimp Tacos
    • Bacon Wrapped Scallops
    • Creamy Tomato Bisque
      Tomato Bisque
    • Mashed Red Potatoes photographed from above featured
      Mashed Red Potatoes
    • Grilled Lamb Chops
    • Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
    • Rice Cooker Mexican Rice served in a gray ceramic bowl and photographed from above.
      Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Meet Marissa
    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 PinchandSwirl

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Email