Citrus-Bitter Greens Salad with Honey-Pear Dressing

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

A vibrant salad where naturally bitter greens are balanced by sweet pear and bright citrus, creating a refreshing yet complex flavor profile. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs radicchio, endive, Bosc pear 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 215 calories and feeds 2, 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: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 215 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Thinly slice 4 oz radicchio and 3 oz endive into bite-sized pieces, then transfer to a large bowl and toss gently to combine.
  2. Step 2: Zest 1 lemon, then cut it in half and squeeze out 1 tbsp juice; add zest, juice, 2 tbsp honey, and 3 tbsp olive oil to a small bowl. Whisk until emulsified and honey is fully dissolved, then season with 1/4 tsp sea salt.
  3. Step 3: Core and thinly slice 1 medium Bosc pear into 1/4-inch half-moons, then add to the bowl with the greens. Drizzle with the dressing and toss until all greens are evenly coated and slightly wilted.
  4. Step 4: Divide salad among plates, sprinkle with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives, and serve immediately while greens are crisp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Bitter Greens Salad with Honey-Pear Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Citrus-Bitter Greens Salad with Honey-Pear Dressing?

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 radicchio from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Bitter Greens Salad with Honey-Pear Dressing?

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 Citrus-Bitter Greens Salad with Honey-Pear Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Citrus-Bitter Greens Salad with Honey-Pear Dressing?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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