Description
A vibrant and flavorful Radicchio Caesar Salad featuring crisp radicchio leaves, a classic homemade Caesar dressing with anchovy and garlic, and crunchy toasted garlic panko breadcrumbs for texture. This recipe offers a unique twist on the traditional Caesar salad by using radicchio for a slightly bitter, robust flavor balanced with creamy Parmesan and zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Radicchio Salad
- 1 head radicchio (large, cored and cut into quarters)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly shaved or more to taste)
Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ large lemon (juiced)
- 1 ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- 1–2 anchovies fillet (or 1 ½ tsp anchovy paste)
Toasted Garlic Panko
- ¾ cup gluten-free panko
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Radicchio: In a large bowl filled with cold water and ice, cut the radicchio into quarters and remove the core. Then cut each quarter in half. Add the radicchio pieces to the ice water and use your hands to separate the leaves and gently squeeze them to release bitterness. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes completely submerged in the ice water.
- Dry Leaves: Drain the radicchio and use a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to dry the leaves thoroughly. Dry leaves can be stored in a ziplock bag for up to 4-5 days.
- Make Garlic Panko: While the radicchio rests, melt unsalted butter over medium-low heat in a small pan. Add garlic powder and stir. Add panko crumbs and toast, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare Caesar Dressing: Add mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and anchovies or anchovy paste into a large mason jar. Use an immersion blender to emulsify the dressing by moving the blender up and down until well blended (about 15-30 seconds).
- Adjust Seasoning: Stir the dressing well and taste. Adjust seasoning by adding more anchovy, salt, or lemon juice as needed to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- Toss Salad: Toss the dried radicchio leaves with the dressing, massaging it gently into the leaves for even coating. Add the toasted garlic panko and shaved Parmesan cheese, lightly toss again, then transfer the salad to a serving platter.
Notes
- Soaking radicchio in ice water significantly reduces its bitterness and results in a crisper texture.
- The toasted garlic panko adds a crunchy texture and a subtle garlic flavor that complements the creamy dressing.
- Dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Adjust the anchovy quantity in the dressing to suit your taste preference and dietary restrictions.
- Use gluten-free panko to ensure the salad is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Radicchio Caesar Salad, Garlic Panko, Caesar Dressing, Gluten-Free Salad, Italian Salad, Homemade Dressing, Crunchy Salad
