Endive Salad with Crisp Apples, Blue Cheese, Hazelnuts and a Simple Vinaigrette

Recipe Date: March 31, 2022
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)

I love the crisp freshness of this salad.  If you prefer, substitute pear for apple and almonds or walnuts for the hazelnuts. All will work well with the Pinot Blanc. Serves 4

Ingredients

  • ½ cup toasted hazelnuts, as much of the brown papery skin removed as possible
  • 1 large sweet crisp apple with vivid acidity such as Pink Lady or Cosmic Crisp
  • 1 teaspoon minced shallot
  • ¼ cup cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons apple balsamic vinegar or sweet balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 large heads Belgian Endive
  • ¼ cup to ½ cup avocado oil
  • 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese such as Point Reyes Original Blue or Roquefort

Directions

1. Crush the hazelnuts coarsely and reserve.

2. Quarter and core the apple. Slice each quarter thinly crosswise. Place in a medium bowl. Add the shallots, the vinegars, salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss well to coat the apples.

3. Add the hazelnuts and toss again.

4. Slice the brown root end off of the endive heads and remove any brown or bruised leaves. Slice crosswise into 1 inch thick pieces. Separate the cut leaves as you scatter them in the bowl containing the apples. 

5. Drizzle the salad with ¼ cup of oil and toss with a pair of salad tongs/servers to coat and mix ingredients evenly. Taste for seasoning and tang. Add salt, pepper and oil to taste.

6. Sprinkle the blue cheese over and serve.

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