Escarole is a leafy green that often gets overlooked, but its slightly bitter taste pairs beautifully with bold flavors, making it a fantastic base for salads. This Escarole Salad recipe is simple yet delicious, highlighting the unique taste of escarole with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, crunchy croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a light lunch, a side for dinner, or even as part of a larger spread at a gathering.
Escarole Salad Recipe
1
servings15
minutes234
kcalKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
1 1 large head of escarole, washed and roughly chopped
30 g 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
50 g 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
30 g 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
60 ml 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
30 ml 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
5 ml 1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 1 Garlic clove
Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
Salad spinner- Large salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Fork
- Knife
- cutting board
Directions
- After washing the escarole, dry it thoroughly using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel. This ensures that the dressing adheres well to the leaves. Roughly chop the escarole into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the chopped escarole and toss to coat the leaves evenly. Add the croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts (if using). Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve it directly from the bowl. For an extra touch, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or a few extra pine nuts.
Notes
- To make this salad a complete meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or a poached egg on top.
- For a more flavorful salad, try making your own croutons by toasting cubed bread in olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
What is escarole, and what does it taste like?
Escarole is a type of chicory, known for its slightly bitter, leafy green flavor. It’s milder than other chicories like radicchio or endive, making it an excellent choice for salads. Its crisp texture pairs well with milder ingredients and tangy dressings.
