Sumac-Garlic Bitter Greens Salad
A vibrant Middle Eastern salad featuring bitter endive, tangy sumac, and roasted garlic for a complex flavor profile. This middle eastern-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs head (about 12 cups) endive leaves, (5 g) sumac, roasted and peeled garlic cloves 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 85 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.
Ingredients
- 1 head (about 12 cups) endive leaves
- 1 tbsp (5 g) sumac
- 4, roasted and peeled garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (5 g), chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss endive leaves with 1/2 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt; set aside to drain.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine roasted garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp salt; mix until creamy.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp sumac until emulsified.
- Step 4: Toss the endive with the garlic dressing, then add the sumac-lemon vinaigrette and fresh mint. Toss gently to coat; serve chilled.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sumac-Garlic Bitter Greens Salad take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Sumac-Garlic Bitter Greens 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 (5 g) sumac from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sumac-Garlic Bitter Greens 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 Sumac-Garlic Bitter Greens 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.
What goes well with Sumac-Garlic Bitter Greens Salad?
Middle Eastern 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
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
