Radicchio Salad with Pear, Orange, and Walnuts

Fresh radicchio salad with sweet pear, juicy orange segments, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta, topped with a lemon-honey dressing and sumac. This colorful and healthy salad makes a perfect appetizer, side dish, or light lunch.

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 head radicchio
• 1 pear, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 navel orange, peeled and segmented
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing

• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp sumac
• 2 tbsp honey
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

Prepare the Radicchio

1. Core the radicchio and separate the leaves.
2. Optional: Soak the leaves in cold water for 30 minutes to reduce bitterness, then dry thoroughly.

Assemble the Salad

1. Arrange radicchio leaves on a large serving platter.
2. Top with orange segments, pear slices, shallots, walnuts, and crumbled feta.

Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and sumac.
2. Add honey and whisk to combine.
3. While whisking, slowly drizzle in olive oil until fully emulsified.

Finish the Salad

1. Pour the dressing over the salad.
2. Toss gently to coat evenly or serve as arranged.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A refreshing mix of bitter, sweet, and tangy flavors.
• Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients.
• Perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or side salad.

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Tips

• Soaking radicchio reduces bitterness without losing its crisp texture.
• Toast walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor.
• Slice the pear just before serving to prevent browning.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor.
• Nuts: Try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
• Fruit: Substitute pear with apple or add pomegranate seeds for extra color.
• Dressing: Use balsamic vinegar in place of lemon for a richer taste.

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FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain crispness.

Can I use pre-washed salad greens instead of radicchio?
Yes, but the distinctive bitter flavor of radicchio is a key element of the salad.

Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it contains no meat and can be made vegan by omitting or substituting the feta.

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Serving

• Serve on a large platter as a starter or side dish.
• Pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or pasta dishes.
• Great for holiday meals or dinner parties for a colorful addition.

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Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or parsley for extra freshness.
• Drizzle a little extra honey over the top for added sweetness if desired.
• Add thinly sliced avocado for creaminess and extra nutrients.