The radicchio, apple, and walnut salad is a simple and quick dish, yet truly delicious, thanks to its freshness and contrast of flavors. The radicchio gives its bitter note, the apples provide sweetness and crunchiness, while the walnuts add that rustic touch that makes everything even tastier. To complete the dish, I added some strips of crispy bacon, which perfumes the salad and transforms it into a rich side or a light main, perfect for any occasion.
It is a versatile recipe, ideal for everyday menus as well as for more refined tables: it can be prepared in a few minutes and immediately brings color and taste to the table. If you are looking for a tasty but extremely easy dish to make, this salad is just what you need. Ready to discover the recipe?
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 2People
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients
- 1 head Treviso IGP red radicchio, precoce (or tardive)
- 1 apple
- 6 walnuts
- 1.75 oz bacon (optional)
- extra virgin olive oil
- apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp mustard (to taste)
- salt
- pepper
Tools
- Bowl
- Pan
- Nutcracker
Preparation
Clean the radicchio, wash it and dry it using a salad spinner, then cut it into strips.
Peel the apple, remove the core, and slice or dice it. Sprinkle a few drops of lemon juice to prevent it from browning.
Cut the bacon into strips and fry it in a small pan for a few seconds, without oil, until it becomes slightly crispy.
Open the walnuts and break them into pieces.
Now prepare the dressing: mix in a small bowl a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of mustard to taste, a pinch of salt and pepper.
Combine the radicchio, apples, walnuts, and bacon in a bowl. Add the dressing and mix well to distribute it evenly.
The radicchio, apple, and walnut salad is ready to be served, light and tasty, perfect as a side dish.
Tips and Notes
You can omit the bacon or replace it with cheese cubes.
You can omit the mustard if you don’t like it. You can replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Which variety of apples can I use?
You can use different varieties, such as golden (for a sweeter taste) or granny smith (for a more tart taste), as long as the chosen apple is firm and crunchy.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
I recommend preparing it just before serving, so the radicchio doesn’t become too soft. If you have leftovers, you can still store it in the fridge for a few hours in a closed container.
