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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Grill Setup: Preheat grill to high intensity, targeting 450-500°F (230-260°C) for optimal direct heat cooking.
- Radicchio Preparation: Halve radicchio heads lengthwise, maintaining stem connection, then brush thoroughly with extra virgin olive oil and season generously with kosher salt.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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