Wintry Chicory Salad with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Wintry Chicory Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the unique bitterness of chicory complemented by the umami richness of preserved lemon and anchovies. The toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall experience. The vinaigrette, made with finely minced preserved lemon and garlic, brings a bright acidity that balances the bitterness of the chicory perfectly.
As you prepare this salad, the process of toasting the walnuts is crucial; it not only intensifies their flavor but also adds a lovely aroma that fills the kitchen. The attention to detail in slicing the garlic thinly ensures that each bite is infused with its robust flavor, rather than being lost in the dressing.
The addition of shaved cheese, such as Piave, elevates the dish further, creating a luxurious finish that ties all the elements together. This salad is not just a side; it can stand alone as a light meal or be served alongside a hearty main course. Perfect for winter gatherings, it’s a refreshing option that will impress your guests with its sophisticated flavors.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Toast walnuts in the oven at 325°F for 7 to 10 minutes.
Tip: Toast your nuts in the oven to enhance their flavor.
Slice garlic thinly for the dressing.
Tip: Slice garlic thinly for a stronger bite in dressings.
Tip: Use aroma to determine when nuts are toasted.
Let toasted walnuts cool before adding to the salad.
Tip: Let toasted nuts cool before adding to a salad to prevent wilting.
In a salad bowl, add sliced garlic, juice from 1/2 to 3/4 of a lemon, and minced preserved lemon.
Tip: Mince preserved lemon finely to ensure it spreads evenly in the dressing.
Mince anchovies and add to the dressing.
Pour excess oil from anchovies into the bowl.
Stir while drizzling in olive oil to emulsify the dressing.
Tip: Stir actively while drizzling in olive oil to emulsify the dressing.
Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Tip: Taste the dressing before adding to the salad to adjust seasoning.
Quarter and clean the chicory and other greens.
Tip: Wash leafy greens to remove any dirt or grit.
Add toasted walnuts and dressing to the greens and toss.
Tip: Toast walnuts to enhance flavor and remove skins.
Plate the salad and prepare for serving.
Tip: Shave cheese on top of the salad for even distribution.
Top the salad with grated cheese and black pepper before serving.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Fish
→ Substitution: Use a vegan anchovy paste or omit.
Ingredient: Nuts
→ Substitution: Sunflower seeds can be used instead of walnuts.
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!
Interesting Tidbits
- •Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and aroma, making them a perfect addition to salads.
- •Preserved lemons add a unique umami flavor and saltiness to dressings.
- •Slicing garlic thinly allows for a stronger garlic flavor in dressings compared to mincing.
- •Chicory has a natural bitterness that pairs well with rich ingredients like cheese and anchovies.
