Escarole Endive Walnut Fontina Salad Recipes

ESCAROLE, BLOOD ORANGE, AND WALNUT SALAD

Steps:

• Cut ends off orange, then cut off peel, pith, and outer membrane following the curve of the fruit. Cut between each membrane to remove whole segments, and place in a small bowl. Squeeze juice from membranes into another bowl. (You should have about 2 tablespoons juice.) Discard membranes.
• Cut each orange segment in half, and toss with escarole, celery stalks and leaves, and walnuts in a large bowl. Add reserved juice, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

ESCAROLE-APPLE SALAD WITH WALNUT DRESSING

Steps:

• Puree 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts, 2 teaspoons dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a blender until smooth. Slowly add 1/3 cup olive oil with the motor running; blend until creamy. Combine 1 torn head escarole, 1 thinly sliced fennel bulb, 2 thinly sliced apples and/or pears, 1 cup fresh parsley, ½ cup chopped walnuts and 1/4 cup minced chives in a large bowl. Add the dressing, season with salt and pepper and toss.

ESCAROLE SALAD WITH CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil. Spread pecans evenly over baking sheet in a single layer. Toast until pecans become fragrant, 5-7 minute Do not let burn. Remove from baking sheet and chop nuts in 1/2. Set aside.
• In small container with lid, combine vinegar, oil, mustard, shallots, salt, and pepper. Secure and shake until emulsified and well blended.
• Add escarole to large salad bowl. Drizzle dressing to toss. Sprinkle pecans over salad.

SICILIAN ESCAROLE SALAD

Steps:

• Add Wine vinegar to bottom of bowl.
• Peel garlic, and using a garlic press, add garlic to vinegar and allow to sit at least 10 minutes. (Alternatively, if you don't have a garlic press, mince garlic finely and then sprinkle with salt and rub the side of your knife across it to crush garlic to a fine paste, then add to vinegar as above.) Stir pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes into vinegar. Add chopped onion, stir to mix together.
• Wash and thoroughly dry the escarole and separate the leaves, tearing them into 1-2 inch pieces. Add to vinegar and garlic, chop the cucumber into one inch pieces and season with black pepper.
• If using the optional anchovies, break them into sections and add to the olive oil. Otherwise, pour olive oil over salad, sprinkle with salt and mix gently but thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasonings.
• Escarole salad can be easily varied to suit the ingredients that you have available, or what's seasonal at the market. But remember, it's best kept rather simple, with not too many ingredients.
• This can be topped with Parmesan croutons or served with [bruschetta]. When in season, optionally add fresh ripe tomato slices and use chopped fresh basil and oregano. Another nice addition is roasted red peppers. Or add 2" X 1/2" slices of salami, mortadella or a sharp Italian cheese such as Asiago or Provolone. Or add a can of cannelloni beans (drained), or a can of Italian Tonno (tuna) packed in olive oil.
• Note: When using anchovies, adjust salt, as anchovies can be very salty depending on how they're packed.

CURLY ENDIVE & WALNUT SALAD

Steps:

• Combine endive, tomato and walnuts in large salad bowl.
• Mix green onion, vinegar and mustard in small bowl.
• Slowly, whisk in oil.
• Season with salt and pepper, pour over dressing over salad and toss.