Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we’re preparing a delightful dish: Rustic Chicory and Apple Salad with Walnuts. This simple yet satisfying salad combines crisp chicory, crunchy walnuts, and sweet apple, all tossed together in a tangy dressing. So, let’s grab our aprons and get ready to whip up this wholesome and delicious salad together!
Ingredients for Chicory and Apple Salad
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences and the number of servings needed. Here are the ingredients needed to serve four portions.
- 2,6 oz (75 g) unroasted walnuts
- 1/2 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon liquid honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 heads of chicory
- 4 stalks of celery
- 1 apple
- 5 oz (150 g) cheese – Gouda, cheddar, goat cheese or feta
- Fresh celery (for garnish)
- 1,7 oz (50 g) raisins
Preparation
- Heat a skillet over medium heat without adding any oil or butter. Roast the walnuts in the skillet for approximately 5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Allow them to cool on a plate, then roughly chop them.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, and vinegar until they form a smooth mixture. Gradually pour in the oil while continuously whisking. Season the dressing with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Trim the ends of the chicory stalks. Cut each chicory head in half lengthwise, remove the tough core, and then slice the chicory lengthwise into thin strips. Slice the celery into approximately 1 cm thick circles.
- Slice the apple into wedges, remove the core, and then dice the flesh into cubes around 1 cm in size. Cut the cheese into similar-sized cubes. Finely chop the celery.
- Combine the chicory, celery, three-quarters of the chopped walnuts, diced apple, cheese, finely chopped celery, and raisins in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts over the top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side Dish
- With Crusty Bread or Crostini
- As a Light Main Course: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein, or toss in cooked grains like quinoa or farro for a more substantial meal.
- Picnics and Potlucks: Pack the salad in a portable container for picnics, potlucks, or outdoor gatherings.
- Pairing with White Wine
What Kind of Cheese is Best for the Chicory Salad?
The choice of cheese for this salad largely depends on personal preference and desired flavor profile. Here are a few options that work well:
- Gouda: Gouda cheese adds a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, complementing the sweetness of the apple and the crunch of the walnuts.
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese provides a bold and tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the honey and raisins in the salad.
- Cheddar: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a robust flavor and a bit of sharpness to the salad. Its firm texture holds up well against the crunchy walnuts and crisp apple slices.
- Goat Cheese (Chèvre): Goat cheese offers a tangy and creamy addition to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the honey and raisins.
- Feta: Feta cheese adds a salty and tangy kick to the salad, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
FAQ
Q1. Can I use different types of nuts in this salad? Absolutely! You can experiment with other nuts such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts to suit your taste preferences.
Q2. I don’t have chicory. Can I use a different type of greens? Of course! While chicory adds a unique bitterness and texture to the salad, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed salad greens.
Q3. Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using it to recombine the ingredients.
Q4. How long does this salad keep? This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the ingredients may soften slightly over time, so it’s best to consume it as soon as possible for the optimal texture and flavor.
Q5. I’m allergic to raisins. Can I omit them or use a substitute? Absolutely! If you’re allergic to raisins or prefer not to include them, feel free to omit them from the salad. Alternatively, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even diced dried apricots for a touch of sweetness.
Q6. Is this salad suitable for vegetarians or vegans? Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. Additionally, ensure that the honey used in the dressing is replaced with a vegan-friendly sweetener such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
More Healthy and Tasty Salads
Green Salad Recipe with a Blueberry Twist
Quinoa Salad with Spinach & Feta Cheese
Rice Salad with Roasted Carrot
Rustic Chicory and Apple Salad with Walnuts
Equipment
- 1 salad bowl
Ingredients
- 2,6 oz unroasted walnuts 75 g
- 1/2 Tbsp mustard
- 1 Tbsp liquid honey
- 1-2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 heads of chicory
- 4 stalks of celery
- 1 apple
- 5 oz cheese 150 g
- 1,7 oz raisins 50 g
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat without adding any oil or butter. Roast the walnuts in the skillet for approximately 5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Allow them to cool on a plate, then roughly chop them.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, and vinegar until they form a smooth mixture. Gradually pour in the oil while continuously whisking. Season the dressing with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Trim the ends of the chicory stalks. Cut each chicory head in half lengthwise, remove the tough core, and then slice the chicory lengthwise into thin strips. Slice the celery into approximately 1 cm thick circles.
- Slice the apple into wedges, remove the core, and then dice the flesh into cubes around 1 cm in size. Cut the cheese into similar-sized cubes. Finely chop the celery.
- Combine the chicory, celery, three-quarters of the chopped walnuts, diced apple, cheese, finely chopped celery, and raisins in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts over the top before serving.
- Enjoy!