Classic Endive, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad
A sophisticated yet simple salad featuring crisp, slightly bitter endive, crunchy toasted walnuts, and pungent blue cheese, all brought together by a classic tangy vinaigrette.
For 4 servings
Prepare Walnuts: Preheat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add the walnuts and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Prepare Endive: Wash the endive heads thoroughly. Trim off the very bottom core, then thinly slice the leaves crosswise into 1/4-inch ribbons. Place the sliced endive in a large salad bowl.
Assemble Salad Base: Add the cooled toasted walnuts and the crumbled blue cheese to the bowl with the endive.
Make Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well emulsified.
Dress and Serve: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the endive.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Endive Freshness: Choose endive heads that are firm, tightly closed, and have pale yellow tips. Avoid any with brown spots or limp leaves.
- 2Blue Cheese Choice: Experiment with different types of blue cheese (Roquefort for sharpness, Gorgonzola for creaminess, Stilton for a balanced flavor) to find your preferred intensity.
- 3Toasting Walnuts: Don't skip toasting the walnuts; it significantly enhances their flavor and crunch, bringing out their nutty aroma.
- 4Dress Just Before Serving: To prevent the endive from wilting, always dress the salad right before you plan to serve it.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruity Twist
Add thinly sliced pear or apple for a touch of sweetness and extra crunch, complementing the blue cheese beautifully.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
Top with grilled chicken, pan-seared steak strips, or roasted chickpeas to transform it into a more substantial main course.
Herbaceous AdditionHerbaceous Addition
Incorporate fresh chives, parsley, or tarragon into the vinaigrette or as a garnish for an aromatic lift.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Gut Health Support
Endive is rich in inulin, a powerful prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy digestive system.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Walnuts are an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid crucial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Probiotic Boost
Certain blue cheeses contain beneficial bacteria, contributing to the diversity of your gut microbiome and supporting digestive wellness.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the vinaigrette can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whisk again before using.
