Endive And Blue Cheese Salad(Makes 4 Servings)
A crisp and flavorful endive salad with tangy blue cheese and red onion, perfect for light lunches or elegant appetizers, balancing bitterness and creamy richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim the endive and separate into leaves.
- In a small jar, shake together the red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until the salt dissolves.
- Add the olive oil and shake again to combine.
- Arrange the endive leaves on a serving plate with the blue cheese and red onion in the center.
- Pour the dressing over all.
- Toss and serve at the table.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider adding toasted walnuts or pecans to the salad. If you don't have blue cheese, feta or goat cheese can be excellent substitutes. To enhance the dressing, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Always taste and adjust seasoning to your preference. This salad pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean recipes, making it versatile for various meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing starter or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with a simple protein like roasted chicken or fish. For a complete meal, consider serving it with crusty bread or alongside Keftetas (Greek Meatballs) for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best to keep the dressing separate to prevent the endive from wilting. When ready to enjoy leftovers, simply toss with fresh dressing to restore its crispness. Avoid reheating the salad, as it is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Endive And Blue Cheese Salad(Makes 4 Servings) contains roughly 140 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1758mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and wash the endive in advance. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the leaves crisp. If making ahead, store the dressing separately to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn't your preference, you can use crumbled feta for a tangy flavor or goat cheese for a creamier texture. Both options will complement the endive nicely and offer a different take on the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this endive and blue cheese salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. It is a great option for those following vegetarian recipes, providing a rich combination of flavors and textures.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).