Mediterranean Radicchio Salad with Olives and Tarragon Vinaigrette Recipe
A vibrant Mediterranean Radicchio Salad featuring crisp radicchio, briny Castelvetrano olives, crunchy Marcona almonds and toasted gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, all tossed in a creamy tarragon vinaigrette and topped with shaved Manchego cheese. This refreshing salad balances bitterness, creaminess, and nuttiness for a perfect appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 small heads radicchio
- ½ cup Castelvetrano olives, sliced
- ¼ cup Marcona almonds, chopped (or substitute with regular unsalted almonds)
- ⅓ cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, toasted
- ½ cup Manchego cheese, shaved
Dressing
- ¼ cup creamy tarragon dressing
Instructions
- Prepare Radicchio: Cut the radicchio into quarters and remove the core from each quarter.
- Rinse and Soak: Place the radicchio quarters into a large bowl filled with ice-cold water. Use your hands to gently squeeze the radicchio which helps release the natural bitterness.
- Dry Radicchio: Using a salad spinner, spin the radicchio to remove excess water. Alternatively, gently pat dry with a clean towel to ensure the leaves are crisp and dry.
- Toss with Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, add the creamy tarragon dressing, then add the dried radicchio. Gently toss the radicchio with the dressing so the leaves are evenly coated.
- Add Mix-ins: Incorporate the sliced Castelvetrano olives, chopped Marcona almonds, and toasted gluten-free panko breadcrumbs into the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Serve: Transfer the salad onto a serving platter. Top with shaved Manchego cheese evenly distributed over the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- To toast gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and stir breadcrumbs until golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- If you prefer a less bitter salad, ensure thorough soaking and gentle squeezing of radicchio in ice water.
- Manchego cheese can be substituted with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crisp texture and contrast between ingredients.
- For a vegan version, omit Manchego and use a vegan creamy tarragon dressing.
Keywords: Mediterranean salad, radicchio salad, tarragon vinaigrette, gluten-free salad, Castelvetrano olives, Marcona almonds, Manchego cheese
