Crisp Endive and Radish Salad with Bitter Orange Dressing
A refreshing salad featuring the natural bitterness of endive and radishes, brightened by a tangy dressing made with fresh bitter orange juice and honey. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes blends heads, leaves separated Belgian endive, medium, thinly sliced radishes, bitter orange juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 3 heads, leaves separated Belgian endive
- 6 medium, thinly sliced radishes
- 1/4 cup bitter orange juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and separate the leaves of 3 heads Belgian endive into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice 6 medium radishes.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bitter orange juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until fully emulsified.
- Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine the endive leaves and radish slices. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all leaves are coated and slightly glossy.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves over the top for a crunchy, aromatic finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and pronounced bitter-citrus flavor contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp Endive and Radish Salad with Bitter Orange Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Crisp Endive and Radish Salad with Bitter Orange Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Endive and Radish Salad with Bitter Orange 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 Crisp Endive and Radish Salad with Bitter Orange Dressing 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 Crisp Endive and Radish Salad with Bitter Orange Dressing 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.