Bold Michael Symon Grilled Radicchio Salad Recipe

Radicchio bursts onto the culinary scene, turning mundane salads into edible art for daring food enthusiasts.

Its crimson leaves whisper stories of Italian countryside kitchens and bold flavor adventures.

Grilling this ruby-hued vegetable mellows its fierce bitterness, coaxing out nuanced, smoky undertones that dance on your palate.

Chefs love how heat transforms radicchio’s sharp personality into a velvety, caramelized delicacy that craves a zesty companion.

A drizzle of tangy vinaigrette sparks magic, creating a symphony of taste that challenges ordinary greens.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe promises a sensory journey that will revolutionize your approach to salads.

Let your taste buds embark on an unexpected culinary escapade that celebrates fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for Michael Symon Grilled Radicchio Salad

• Grill-Side Companion: Pair this smoky radicchio with grilled meats like steak or chicken for a robust Italian-inspired side dish.
• Cheese Lover's Delight: Top the dressed radicchio with extra shavings of Pecorino or Parmesan to enhance the tangy, salty flavor profile.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the warm radicchio to add a bright, herbal note that complements the charred edges.
• Wine Pairing Perfect: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti to balance the bitter and charred notes of the radicchio.

Storage and Meal Planning for Michael Symon Grilled Radicchio Salad

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover grilled radicchio in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crisp texture softens slightly but retains delicious flavor.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop dressing ingredients and wash radicchio up to 24 hours before cooking. Keep components separately sealed in the refrigerator to maintain maximum freshness and quality.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm leftover radicchio quickly in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and revive the original grilled texture.
• Ingredient Storage Tips: Keep radicchio wrapped in slightly damp paper towel inside a perforated plastic bag. Store in the vegetable crisper drawer. Use within 3-4 days for best taste and crispness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Michael Symon Grilled Radicchio Salad

• Salt: Opt for fine sea salt to ensure even distribution and smooth blending.
• Minced Garlic: Choose fresh, plump garlic cloves for a vibrant, punchy flavor.
• Mustard: Select a robust Dijon mustard for a tangy and rich base.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Look for aged, dark balsamic with a complex, sweet-tart profile.
• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin olive oil for authentic, fruity undertones.

• Radicchio: Select crisp, tightly-packed heads with deep burgundy leaves and minimal blemishes.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality oil for even coating and preventing sticking.
• Salt: Kosher or sea salt works best for seasoning before grilling.

• Black Pepper: Choose whole peppercorns to freshly grind for maximum aroma.
• Pecorino, Parmesan: Select aged, hard cheeses with sharp, nutty characteristics for a perfect flavor boost.

Equipment for Michael Symon Grilled Radicchio Salad

• Blender or Food Processor: Powerful kitchen tool for creating smooth, emulsified dressings.
• Grill: High-heat cooking surface for charring radicchio with perfect grill marks.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping grilled radicchio into bite-sized pieces.
• Basting Brush: Helps evenly coat radicchio with olive oil before grilling.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise slicing of radicchio heads.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt and other ingredients.
• Serving Platter: Elegant dish for presenting the final grilled radicchio salad.

Instructions to Make Michael Symon Grilled Radicchio Salad

• Craft Zesty Flavor Bomb

Whip up a knockout dressing by blending garlic, tangy vinegar, and smooth olive oil in a food processor until silky and perfectly combined.

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to scorching hot temperatures, creating the ideal cooking surface for transforming radicchio into a smoky delicacy.

• Slice and Prep Radicchio

Split radicchio heads into gorgeous halves, brushing each piece with a light coat of olive oil and a sprinkle of seasoning to enhance natural flavors.

• Char and Caramelize

Lay radicchio on blazing grill grates, letting each side develop beautiful grill marks and a slightly crispy exterior that locks in rich, complex tastes.

• Transform and Dress

Chop grilled radicchio into rustic chunks, then drench with your homemade dressing, ensuring every morsel gets coated in zesty goodness.

• Finish with Flair

Shower the dish with crumbled cheese, creating a luxurious final touch that elevates this simple side from ordinary to extraordinary. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in.

Tips and Variations for Michael Symon Grilled Radicchio Salad

• Grill with Care: Watch radicchio closely during grilling to prevent burning, as its delicate leaves can quickly char. Rotate pieces every minute for even, beautiful grill marks.
• Cheese Swap Magic: Replace Pecorino with crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese for a tangy twist. Experiment with different hard cheeses to discover your favorite flavor combination.
• Dressing Depth: Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing for subtle sweetness. Fresh herbs like chopped thyme or basil can elevate the vinaigrette's complexity.
• Make-Ahead Hack: Prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store in a sealed container. Grill the radicchio just before serving to maintain its crisp texture and smoky flavor.

Smoky Radicchio Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Grilled radicchio salad by Michael Symon combines charred bitter leaves with tangy pecorino and crisp pancetta. Elegant Mediterranean flavors create a perfect balance of smoky, salty, and fresh ingredients for an irresistible side dish.

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Ingredients

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• 2 heads radicchio
• ½ cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp mustard
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Pecorino or Parmesan cheese (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Blend salt, garlic, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar in a processor until smooth, then gradually incorporate olive oil to create a silky emulsion.
2. Grill Setup: Preheat grill to high intensity, targeting 450-500°F (230-260°C) for optimal direct heat cooking.
3. Radicchio Preparation: Halve radicchio heads lengthwise, maintaining stem connection, then brush thoroughly with extra virgin olive oil and season generously with kosher salt.
4. Grilling Process: Position radicchio on hot grates, cooking 2-3 minutes per side to achieve a delicate char while preserving internal crispness, rotating carefully to prevent burning.
5. Finishing Touches: After brief cooling, chop grilled radicchio into appetizing segments, transfer to serving bowl, and cascade balsamic vinaigrette over the leaves, ensuring comprehensive coating.
6. Garnishing: Complete the dish by sprinkling freshly cracked black pepper and generously dusting with grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese for a rich, tangy finale.

Notes

• Prep Radicchio Carefully: Slice heads lengthwise while keeping the stem intact to prevent leaves from falling apart during grilling.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain high heat between 450-500°F to achieve perfect charring without burning the delicate leaves.
• Watch Grilling Time: Grill radicchio for only 2-3 minutes per side to develop a light char while preserving its crisp texture.
• Emulsify Dressing Perfectly: Slowly stream olive oil while blending to create a smooth, well-integrated vinaigrette that coats the grilled radicchio evenly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg