Simmered Bitter Herbs and Charoset Salad

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

A fresh Passover salad combining the traditional bitter herbs with sweet, spiced charoset, balanced with crisp apples and walnuts. This mediterranean-inspired passover (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs romaine lettuce hearts, horseradish root, endive leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create a spiced vinaigrette.
  2. Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 2 chopped romaine lettuce hearts, 6 chopped endive leaves, 2 tbsp grated horseradish root, 2 peeled and diced apples, and 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts.
  3. Step 3: Pour the spiced vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated and the apples and herbs glisten with dressing.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately as a refreshing vegetable and fruit salad that balances bitterness, sweetness, and crunch for a Passover side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Bitter Herbs and Charoset Salad 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 Simmered Bitter Herbs and Charoset Salad?

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 romaine lettuce hearts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Bitter Herbs and Charoset Salad?

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 Simmered Bitter Herbs and Charoset Salad 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 Simmered Bitter Herbs and Charoset Salad 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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