Crisp Radicchio & Pear Salad with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette
A refreshing salad balancing radicchio's natural bitterness with sweet pear and a tangy honey dressing, perfect for summer evenings. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium head (about 8 oz) radicchio, medium (about 6 oz) Bosc pear, extra-virgin olive oil 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 285 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.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head (about 8 oz) radicchio
- 1 medium (about 6 oz) Bosc pear
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim the base of the radicchio head, separate leaves, and rinse under cold water; pat dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
- Step 2: Thinly slice the Bosc pear crosswise into 1/4-inch thick rounds, discarding the core.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified and glossy.
- Step 4: Place radicchio leaves in a large bowl, add sliced pears, and drizzle with 1 tbsp of the vinaigrette; toss gently with clean hands until evenly coated, then let sit for 5 minutes to soften the radicchio slightly.
- Step 5: Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad, add 2 tbsp shaved Parmesan cheese, and toss once more before serving immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp Radicchio & Pear Salad with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Crisp Radicchio & Pear Salad with Honey-Dijon 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 (about 6 oz) bosc pear from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Radicchio & Pear Salad with Honey-Dijon 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 Crisp Radicchio & Pear Salad with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette 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 Crisp Radicchio & Pear Salad with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
