this is the kind of salad that makes me think i could just have a salad for lunch and be completely satisfied.
it’s also the salad that makes people i’ve served it to say “i don’t really like radishes/radicchio/bitterness but i love this salad!” it’s bitter, it’s tart, it’s almost entirely crunchy, it’s not easy-going. and it’s addictive.
it’s a serious salad.
simply radishes, endive, radicchio, parsley, parmesan, on arugula. and a tart lemon and mustard dressing. it’s about texture as much as it is taste. the flavours are as strong as the crunch.
the serious salad
3 cups, packed, wild arugula
1 small head of radicchio, roughly chopped
2 belgian endives, sliced in half lengthwise, then sliced thickly crosswise
1 small bunch of radishes, roughly chopped
1 large handful parsley, leaves only
parmesan cheese
for the dressing:
3 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 tbs lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
1 tsp grainy mustard
1 clove garlic, smashed
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
whisk all of the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl. allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. add arugula to a serving bowl or platter. lay radicchio, endive, radish and parsley on top. plate individually when ready to serve. whisk dressing again just before serving and discard garlic. pour dressing over top of salad, shave large, thin slices of parmesan on top and serve.
makes 2 or 3 large servings, or 4 small servings.