Grilled Radicchio Salad may sound fancy, but it’s an extremely simple recipe. Radicchio is a red lettuce found in most grocery stores. When eaten raw, radicchio is bitter. This dish helps cut through the bitterness and showcases the amazing flavor grilled radicchio serves.
Let’s grill this salad together!
Ready in 15 minutes
Radicchio is not a commonly used ingredient in most households. Don’t let the mystic or bitterness stop you from trying – grilled radicchio is the perfect introduction to this ingredient.
Ingredients
- Radicchio: 1-2 heads per salad
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons per salad
- Toasted Almonds: 2 tablespoons per salad
- Herb Mustard Vinaigrette: 2-4 tablespoons per salad
Directions
Grill the Radicchio
Remove the outermost layer of radicchio leaves, then cut the radicchio into quarters. Slice through the core so each piece has core, and the leaves do not separate from the core. This technique is identical to preparing iceberg lettuce for Wedge Salads.
After quartering the radicchio, dress the wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Next, heat the grill to medium. When hot, place the radicchio on to the grill, flat side down. Slowly grill the radicchio for the next 6-8 minutes, turning on all three sides. The goal is to slightly char the radicchio while warming throughout and keeping texture. If the lettuce wilts or burns, either the heat was too high or the cook lasted too long.
Prepare the Herb Mustard Vinaigrette and Almonds for the Grilled Radicchio Salad
For most salads, using a vinaigrette works. This Grilled Radicchio Salad is no exception. A fresh, herby vinaigrette is perfect for counteracting the radicchio’s bitterness and char.
In a bowl, combine one tablespoon honey mustard, the juice of one lemon, salt, pepper, one teaspoon honey, and fresh or dried herbs. For this recipe, I recommend a combination of tarragon, parsley, and chives. Add two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, then whisk.
Vinaigrette should match your taste preferences. There is no “right” way to make vinaigrette. Add or reduce ingredients according to your palette.
In a nonstick pan or in the oven, lightly toast two tablespoons of almonds.
Plate the Grilled Radicchio Salad
In your serving bowl, drizzle a layer of herb mustard vinaigrette along the bottom. Place your grilled radicchio on top of the vinaigrette, then lightly drizzle over the top. Radicchio is a strong lettuce. Don’t worry about tossing in the dressing too soon before serving.
Finally, top with the toasted almonds and serve the Grilled Radicchio Salad!
Recommendations
Accompany the Grilled Radicchio Salad Alongside Grilled Meat or Fish
My favorite pairing for this Grilled Radicchio Salad is in advance of a perfectly grilled piece of salmon. These strong flavors also pair well with grains, like couscous or brown rice, or white beans.
