Charred Radicchio and Citrus Salad with Bitter Orange Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad featuring smoky-charred radicchio paired with a tangy, bitter orange vinaigrette that balances sharp and astringent flavors. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium radicchio heads, extra virgin olive oil, salt into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cut 2 medium radicchio heads into quarters, keeping the core intact to hold leaves together. Brush each quarter with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until edges are charred and leaves soften but maintain structure.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bitter orange juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil until emulsified and slightly thickened.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the grilled radicchio quarters on a serving platter, drizzle evenly with the bitter orange vinaigrette, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts and 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of smoky bitterness and bright citrus.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Radicchio and Citrus Salad with Bitter Orange Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charred Radicchio and Citrus Salad with Bitter Orange Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium radicchio heads from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Radicchio and Citrus Salad with Bitter Orange Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Radicchio and Citrus Salad with Bitter Orange Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Charred Radicchio and Citrus Salad with Bitter Orange Vinaigrette vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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