Endive salad with arugula
Endive Salad with Arugula - A Cold and Tasty Delight
Who doesn't love a fresh and flavorful salad? Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for endive salad with arugula, a perfect combination of sweet endive, the spicy flavors of arugula, and a sprinkle of goat cheese. This salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for a festive meal or a light dinner. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.
Preparation Time:
- Active Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 large endive
- 1/2 white onion
- 1/4 boiled chicken breast
- 1 egg (for mayonnaise)
- Oil (about 150 ml, for mayonnaise)
- Lemon juice (1-2 tablespoons, for mayonnaise)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- A handful of fresh arugula
- 2 red radishes
- 1 cube of goat cheese (about 100 g)
Nutritional Benefits:
This salad is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and protein. Endives are rich in antioxidants and have diuretic properties, while arugula contains vitamin K and folic acid, essential for bone health. Goat cheese adds a creamy flavor and is also a good source of protein.
Overview:
Endive salad with arugula is a classic recipe, appreciated for its combination of textures and flavors. The slightly bitter taste of endives harmonizes perfectly with the spicy arugula and goat cheese. This salad can easily become the star of any meal, being not only tasty but also visually appealing.
Step by Step - Preparing Endive Salad with Arugula:
1. Preparing the Endive:
- Start by separating the yellow leaves from the top of the endive. These can be bitter and will not contribute to the desired flavor of the salad.
- Fill a pot with water and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil and blanch the inside of the endive for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly soft. This will reduce the bitterness.
- Remove the endive from the water and let it drain, then allow it to cool.
2. Preparing the Arugula:
- Wash the arugula well under cold running water. Make sure to dry it thoroughly to avoid diluting the salad. Remove the stem and keep only the tender leaves.
3. Preparing the Mayonnaise:
- In a small bowl, add a raw egg yolk, salt, oil, and a little lemon juice. Using a whisk or a mixer, start mixing gradually, adding the oil in a thin stream until the mayonnaise becomes creamy and airy. Adjust the taste with salt and lemon juice to your liking.
4. Assembling the Salad:
- Take a deep plate and arrange the yellow endive leaves around the edge for a beautiful decorative effect, like a flower.
- In the center of the plate, add the blanched and cooled endive, followed by the cubes of goat cheese.
- Slice the onion thinly and place it over the cheese. Add the boiled and chopped chicken breast.
- Mix the arugula with the sliced radishes and add them on top.
- Finally, add a generous spoonful of mayonnaise on top of the salad.
5. Serving:
- It is important to bring the salad to the table un-mixed to preserve its decorative appearance. Mix at the time of serving so that each ingredient retains its distinct flavor.
Practical Tips:
- You can replace goat cheese with feta or mozzarella for a different variation.
- Add roasted nuts or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
- If you want a heartier salad, add diced avocado.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I prepare the salad in advance?
- It is recommended to prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
2. Can I use canned endives?
- Fresh endives provide the best texture and flavor. Canned endives may alter the final taste of the salad.
3. What drinks pair well with this salad?
- A dry white wine or a refreshing citrus cocktail would perfectly complement this salad.
Possible Variations:
To add a touch of exoticism, try adding slices of mango or pineapple. You can also opt for flavored mayonnaise by adding fresh herbs or spices like mustard or garlic.
Imagine how each ingredient blends perfectly, creating a salad that is not only nourishing but also a true explosion of flavors. This endive salad with arugula is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that will delight the taste buds of everyone who tries it. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by its delicious flavors!
Ingredients: 1 large endive, 1/2 white onion, 1/4 boiled chicken breast, 1 egg + salt + oil + lemon juice for mayonnaise, salt, pepper, a handful of arugula, 2 red radishes, 1 cube of goat cheese (Feta).
