In cooler months, chicories are a seasonal, delicious base for excellent salads. The sturdier structure of these “bitter greens” means they can sit at the table longer without wilting, and their more assertive flavor means they stand up well to strong-flavored dressings. A blender dressing delivers just that: punchy layers of acid, salt, and Dijon mustard. (Don’t have a blender? Mash the garlic, then whisk the dressing together by hand in a small bowl.) Extra dressing can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for one week.
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Servings: 6One Serving: 1/6 of a 6 serving recipe
Ingredients
1small garlic clove
2Tbspfresh lemon juiced, from 1 lemon
2TbspDijon mustard
2Tbspwhite wine vinegar
1/2cupextra-virgin olive oil
3/4tspsea salt
1/4tspfreshly ground pepper
1fennel bulb stalks discarded, cored and sliced very thinly
4cupsescarole torn into 2-inch pieces, or little gem lettuce
3cupsradicchio, trimmed and torn into 2-inch pieces
In a blender or blender jar combine the garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the fennel, escarole, and radicchio. Toss well with the dressing, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle the goat cheese and hazelnuts over the salad and serve.