As the vibrant colors of autumn arrive and the crisp air of winter settles in, our palates naturally crave dishes that are both hearty and refreshing. This Radicchio Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette is a quintessential offering for these seasons, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your senses. Imagine a harmonious blend of slightly bitter radicchio and frisée, sweet, juicy pears, crunchy pecans, sharp white cheddar, and the wholesome chewiness of farro, all brought together with an irresistibly balanced maple vinaigrette. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience, promising to be an instant favorite for anyone who tries it.

Radicchio Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette: Your Ultimate Fall & Winter Delight

Before we delve into the simple steps of creating this exquisite salad, let’s take a moment to appreciate one of its star ingredients: radicchio. Often mistaken for a small, purple cabbage, radicchio (pronounced ra-dee-kee-o) is actually a member of the chicory family, known for its distinctive bitter flavor and stunning visual appeal. It’s a true winter gem, bringing both beauty and a unique taste profile to seasonal dishes. While the deep crimson-purple varieties are most common, you can also find exquisite pink radicchio or the famous Castelfranco variety, with its delicate light green leaves speckled with purple. These vibrant hues make radicchio an ideal component for visually striking and flavorful salads.

Discover Radicchio: The Colorful Chicory

Let’s uncover some fascinating facts about this intriguing leafy vegetable that makes our Radicchio Pear Salad so special:

• Part of the Chicory Family: Radicchio belongs to the genus Cichorium, a group of leafy plants known for their slightly bitter taste. Its close relatives include well-known greens like curly endive, Belgian endive, escarole, and frisée, all of which share a similar lineage and often complement each other beautifully in culinary applications.
• Italian Origins: Radicchio boasts a rich history, with its origins deeply rooted in the Veneto region of Italy. For centuries, Italian farmers have cultivated and perfected different varieties, making it a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Its strong connection to Italian gastronomy is evident in the many traditional dishes that feature this unique chicory.
• Naturally Low in Calories: For those mindful of their caloric intake, radicchio is an excellent choice. A single cup provides a mere 10 calories, making it a nutrient-dense yet incredibly light addition to any meal, allowing you to enjoy vibrant flavors without guilt.
• Rich in Vitamin K: This leafy green is an impressive source of Vitamin K, a crucial nutrient essential for blood clotting and maintaining strong, healthy bones. Incorporating radicchio into your diet is a delicious way to boost your intake of this vital vitamin.
• Growing in California: While its roots are Italian, much of the radicchio consumed in the United States is grown in California. The state’s fertile valleys and favorable climate provide ideal conditions for cultivating this chicory, ensuring a steady supply for markets across the country.
• Commercial Debut in the U.S.: Radicchio was first introduced to commercial markets in the United States in 1981, marking its relatively recent arrival in mainstream American kitchens. Since then, its popularity has steadily grown as more people discover its unique taste and versatility.
• Peak Season for Freshness: The optimal growing season for radicchio extends from mid-winter to spring. This makes it a perfect ingredient for crafting refreshing and vibrant salads that brighten up colder months, such as our Radicchio Pear Salad, when other fresh greens might be scarce.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: Radicchio is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. When eaten raw, as in this salad, its bitterness is more pronounced, adding a wonderful counterpoint to sweeter ingredients. When cooked (grilled, roasted, or sautéed), its bitterness mellows, transforming into a milder, earthy flavor.
• Aids Digestion: Like many bitter greens, radicchio contains compounds that can stimulate bile production, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut. Its natural properties make it not just a tasty, but also a beneficial addition to your diet.
• Natural Antioxidants: Radicchio is packed with antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body, contributing to overall health and well-being. Its vibrant color is often an indicator of its rich antioxidant content.

Now that we’re all a bit more informed about this curious and beneficial chicory, let’s explore how to best incorporate it into your culinary repertoire, starting with some inspiring recipe ideas.

Creative Radicchio Recipe Inspirations

Radicchio’s distinct flavor and beautiful color make it a fantastic ingredient for a variety of dishes. Many years ago, California Pizza Kitchen offered a memorable Tri-Colore Pizza, a simple yet elegant creation featuring a thin parmesan crust topped with a fresh salad of chicories, a light vinaigrette, and generous shavings of parmesan cheese. It was an absolute favorite of mine, showcasing how radicchio can elevate even the simplest preparations. Perhaps one day I’ll craft my own modern take on this classic!

Beyond pizzas, radicchio shines in numerous ways. One of my personal go-to recipes that perfectly highlights radicchio’s versatility is my Grilled Romaine and Radicchio Caesar Salad. Grilling might seem unconventional for lettuce and chicory, but it works wonders! The high heat mellows radicchio’s inherent bitterness, infusing it with a subtle smokiness and a slight sweetness that balances beautifully with the crisp romaine and tangy Caesar dressing. This salad has become a year-round staple in our home, loved for its unique flavor profile and surprising ease of preparation. It’s proof that a little experimentation can lead to truly delicious discoveries.

If you’re eager to explore more ways to use this vibrant vegetable, Epicurious offers an incredible roundup of 36 recipe ideas. From hearty pastas and risottos to roasted side dishes and, of course, a plethora of salads, these inspirations demonstrate radicchio’s adaptability. Its ability to hold up to both raw applications and cooking, while adding a sophisticated touch, makes it a valuable ingredient for any home cook looking to add color and depth to their meals.

Crafting Your Radicchio Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

Now, let’s focus on the star of today’s show: this irresistible Radicchio Pear Salad. What truly sets this salad apart is its meticulously balanced combination of contrasting elements. We start with the mild, delicate flavor of frisée, which acts as a perfect canvas for the assertive, slightly bitter notes of the radicchio. This dynamic duo is then elevated by the satisfying crunch of pecans, the sharp, tangy bites of white cheddar cheese, and the natural sweetness of ripe pears. Adding to the depth and heartiness is the nutty, chewy texture of cooked farro, transforming this dish into something truly substantial. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, but the entire symphony is harmonized by the bright and tangy homemade Maple Vinaigrette, which ties all the flavors together in a delightful embrace. The visual appeal is just as impressive as the taste – a vibrant mosaic of purples, greens, and whites that is sure to brighten any table, whether served as a refreshing main course or a sophisticated side.

Understanding Farro: An Ancient Grain

Before diving into the preparation, let’s take a brief detour to talk about farro, a lesser-known but incredibly rewarding ingredient if you’re not already familiar. Farro, also recognized as Emmer Wheat, holds a revered place among ancient grains, much like its popular cousin, quinoa. Its history stretches back to Ancient Rome, where it was a fundamental staple in the diet of legionnaires and citizens alike, prized for its nutritional value and robust flavor. Fast forward to today, and farro is experiencing a well-deserved resurgence in popularity, embraced by health enthusiasts and food lovers for its impressive nutrient profile.

What makes farro so special? It’s not only high in fiber, which supports digestive health and satiety, but also boasts a significant amount of protein, making it an excellent plant-based option for adding substance to your meals. Its unique chewy texture and distinct nutty flavor make it a fantastic addition to salads, bowls, soups, and even risottos. Unlike quinoa, however, it’s important to note that farro is not gluten-free. If you have gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions, excellent alternatives for this salad include cooked brown rice, wild rice, or quinoa, all of which will provide a similar textural component and absorb the delicious vinaigrette wonderfully.

When selecting farro, quality matters. My personal favorite brand is Bob’s Red Mill Organic Farro. While this isn’t an advertisement, I genuinely appreciate their commitment to freshness and consistent quality. You can typically find it in the bulk or grain section of larger grocery stores, specialty health food markets like Whole Foods or Sprouts, or conveniently online. Investing in good quality farro ensures the best possible flavor and texture for your salad.

Preparing Your Salad Ingredients

Executing this salad perfectly begins with thoughtful preparation of each component. Let’s start with the farro. I highly recommend following the package instructions for cooking, which typically involves rinsing the grains, then simmering them in water or broth for approximately 25 minutes until tender yet still delightfully chewy. Once cooked, drain the farro thoroughly and allow it to cool completely. You can spread it out on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling process, ensuring it doesn’t warm the other salad ingredients.

Next, we turn our attention to the star chicory: radicchio. If this is your first time working with radicchio, be aware of its naturally bitter flavor. While this bitterness is a desired characteristic and balances beautifully with the sweetness of the pear and maple vinaigrette, you can easily mellow it. A simple trick is to cut the radicchio head into wedges, then soak these wedges in a bowl of cold water for about 10 to 15 minutes. This brief soak helps to draw out some of the more intense bitter compounds, resulting in a milder flavor. After soaking, remove the wedges and place them on a clean kitchen towel to drain and thoroughly dry. It’s crucial to remove as much excess water as possible to prevent a watery salad and ensure the dressing adheres well. You can gently pat them dry or use a salad spinner for efficiency. Once dry, thinly slice the radicchio wedges, creating delicate ribbons that will disperse evenly throughout the salad.

While the farro cools and radicchio soaks, proceed with the other ingredients. Wash and thoroughly dry your frisée or baby salad greens. Core and thinly slice your pear; leave the skin on for added fiber, color, and texture, unless you prefer it peeled. Cut the sharp white cheddar into small, uniform cubes, ensuring each bite offers a delightful burst of cheesy flavor. Finally, for an extra layer of warmth and crunch, consider lightly toasting your pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until fragrant. Allow them to cool before adding to the salad. This simple step truly elevates their nutty flavor.

Assembling the Perfect Radicchio Pear Salad

With all your ingredients prepped and ready, assembling this vibrant salad is quick and satisfying. Choose a large, spacious mixing bowl to ensure you have ample room for tossing without making a mess. Begin by adding the thinly sliced radicchio, your crisp frisée or baby salad greens, and the cooled, drained farro to the bowl. These form the foundation of your salad, providing a delightful mix of leafy and wholesome textures.

Next, carefully layer in the remaining components: the elegantly thin slices or bite-sized chopped pieces of pear, the cubes of sharp white cheddar, and the crunchy pecan halves. The beauty of this salad lies in its visual appeal, so aim for an even distribution of colors and textures. Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, you’re ready for the grand finale: the Maple Vinaigrette. Drizzle a generous amount of the dressing over the salad – remember, you can always add more to taste, but it’s harder to take away! Gently toss all the ingredients together using salad tongs, ensuring every leaf, grain, and piece of fruit is coated with that exquisite, tangy-sweet dressing. Finish with a fresh grinding of black pepper, which adds a lovely aromatic kick that complements the other flavors. Serve your masterpiece immediately to enjoy its peak freshness and crispness. The varying textures and flavors will come alive with every forkful!

Tips and Delicious Substitutions

Explore More Favorite Salad Recipes on Pinterest

If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking new and exciting ways to incorporate more fresh greens and vegetables into your daily diet. Salads offer an incredible canvas for creativity, allowing for endless combinations of flavors, textures, and nutrients. To inspire your next culinary adventure, I’ve curated a collection of my favorite salad recipes on Pinterest. This board features not only many of my own tried-and-true creations but also fantastic recipes from fellow food bloggers who share a passion for vibrant, delicious, and healthy salads. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a refreshing side, I’m confident you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make every meal a delightful experience. Head over to my Pinterest board and discover your next favorite salad!

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All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

Radicchio Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

Ana | Claudia’s Table

December 3, 2022

This Radicchio Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette is a deliciously perfect Fall and Winter mix of vibrant color, exciting texture, and satisfying crunch. It features slightly bitter radicchio, sweet pears, crunchy pecans, sharp white cheddar, and nutty farro, all dressed in a perfectly balanced homemade maple vinaigrette.

4.43 from 7 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish, Salad

Cuisine American, Healthy, Seasonal

Servings 4

Calories 414 kcal

Equipment

• 1 bowl medium to large, for mixing
• 1 pot 2 qt or similar, for cooking farro

Ingredients

  

Salad

• 1 head Radicchio washed, soaked (optional, to reduce bitterness), dried, and sliced thinly
• 4 cups Frisée or baby salad greens pre-washed, or a mix of your favorite mild greens
• 1 whole pear, Anjou or Bartlett cored, thinly sliced (skin on for texture and nutrition)
• 3 oz cheddar, sharp white cubed for delightful bites
• 1/3 cup pecan halves lightly toasted for extra flavor (optional)
• 1/3 cup Farro cooked to package directions and cooled

Maple Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup oil, neutral flavor canola, vegetable, or extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup pure, for authentic flavor
• 2-3 tsp Dijon mustard for emulsification and a tangy kick
• 4 tsp White Balsamic Vinegar or white wine vinegar, for brightness
• 1/4 tsp salt or more to taste
• 1/8 tsp pepper freshly ground, or more to taste

Cook Mode

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Instructions

 

Maple Vinaigrette

• In a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, white balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Secure the lid tightly. Shake vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is emulsified. Set aside until ready to use.

Radicchio Pear Salad

• Cook the farro according to package instructions until tender but still chewy. Drain any excess water and allow to cool completely.
• Cut the radicchio into wedges. For a milder flavor, carefully soak the wedges in cold water for about 10 minutes. Then, remove and place them on a clean kitchen towel to drain excess water.
• Thinly slice the radicchio wedges and finish drying thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels. Place the dried, thinly sliced radicchio in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the pre-washed baby greens or frisée to the bowl with the radicchio.
• To the bowl, add the cooled and drained farro, cubed cheddar cheese, pecan halves, and the thinly sliced pears.
• Drizzle the prepared Maple Vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the dressing. Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference (the recipe yields approximately 8 tbsp).
• Finish with a final grind of fresh pepper and serve immediately. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful salad!

Notes

You can adjust all ingredients for the salad, such as the amount of pecans, cheese, farro, and pears, to best suit your taste and dietary preferences. Feel free to make it your own!

Nutrition

Calories:
414
kcal

Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.

Keyword fall salad, farro salad, main dish salad, maple vinaigrette, pear salad, radicchio, winter salad, healthy salad, seasonal recipe

All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

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