Endive Dressing
A crisp endive salad coated with a creamy, tangy dressing enhanced by crispy bacon and sweet onion, perfect for light lunches or elegant appetizers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut and clean the endive; cut into bite-size pieces.
- Put the endive and diced onion in a bowl.
- Cut bacon into small pieces and fry until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, blend sugar, vinegar, 2 cups water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water; stir until thickened.
- Pour the dressing over the endive mixture and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing salad or appetizer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also substitute maple syrup for sugar to add a unique flavor. If you prefer a thicker dressing, increase the cornstarch slightly. Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the flavor further. Ensure the endive is crisp for the best texture in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This endive dressing makes a great salad on its own or as a refreshing side dish. Pair it with grilled meats or seafood, such as Asian Roast Pork, for a balanced meal. It can also be served as an appetizer alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing. Consider garnishing with additional crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. If the dressing has thickened too much, add a little water to reach the desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Endive Dressing contains roughly 288 calories, with 8g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2112mg per serving (92% 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 dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. However, it's best to add the dressing to the endive mixture just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens.
What can I substitute for endive?
If you can't find endive, you can use arugula or frisée as alternatives. Both provide a similar bitter and peppery flavor that complements the dressing well. Adjust the amount of dressing based on the greens used to ensure a balanced taste.
Is this dressing suitable for a vegetarian diet?
The original recipe contains bacon and eggs, which are not suitable for a vegetarian diet. For a vegetarian version, consider omitting the bacon and using a plant-based substitute, like smoked tempeh, to add a smoky flavor without meat.
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).