Fruit Salad with Belgian Endive

Fruit Salad with Belgian Endive Recipe - A Delicious Blend of Fresh Ingredients from Belgium

Region / culture: Belgium | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Fruit Salad with Belgian Endive is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the crispness of Belgian endive with the sweetness of oranges and grapes. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

Belgian endive, also known as chicory, is a leafy vegetable that is native to Belgium. It has a slightly bitter flavor and a crisp texture, making it a popular ingredient in salads. The combination of Belgian endive with citrus fruits and grapes in a salad is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

5 heads of belgian endive (chicory)
2 celery hearts thinly sliced into rings
4 oranges peeled and sectioned
0.5 lb (227 g) seedless white grapes
0.5 lb (227 g) black grapes halved and seeded
1.5 cups thinly sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 bunches watercress (optional)

Citrus spring dressing

9 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp sugar
2 green onions thinly sliced
1 pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Thinly slice the Belgian endive heads, reserving 10 to 12 leaves to garnish.
In a bowl, toss together the sliced Belgian endive, celery, oranges, grapes, and mushrooms (if using).
If using watercress, separate it into sprigs and set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat together all the ingredients for the dressing with salt and pepper to taste until well blended.
Alternatively, place all the ingredients in a screwtop jar and shake vigorously to combine well before using.
Pour the dressing over the salad about 1 hour before serving and toss to mix well.
Just before serving, add the watercress and garnish with the reserved Belgian endive leaves.

Variations

You can add some cooked and chilled quinoa or couscous to the salad to make it more filling.
For a sweeter version, you can add some honey or maple syrup to the dressing.
To make it more savory, you can add some crumbled feta cheese or cooked bacon to the salad.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When slicing the Belgian endive, make sure to remove any tough outer leaves and cut off the base before slicing.

- To prevent the oranges from becoming soggy, make sure to section them just before serving.

- For added flavor, you can add some thinly sliced red onion or toasted nuts to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a fruity iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this salad is to slice the ingredients thinly and to toss them gently with the dressing just before serving. This will help to preserve the crispness of the Belgian endive and the freshness of the fruits.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Belgian endive, you can use radicchio or arugula as a substitute. You can also use any combination of citrus fruits such as grapefruit, tangerines, or blood oranges in place of the oranges.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and slice the ingredients ahead of time, but it is best to toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

To make this salad more visually appealing, you can arrange the ingredients in a circular pattern on a large platter and garnish with some fresh herbs or edible flowers.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled shrimp, roasted chicken, or a light pasta dish. It also goes well with a glass of sparkling water or a fruity cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to toss the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 210 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 23g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 60% of the recommended daily intake per serving

Vitamin A: 15% of the recommended daily intake per serving

Iron: 6% of the recommended daily intake per serving

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

This Fruit Salad with Belgian Endive is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and fat. It is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A, making it a great choice for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Fruit Salad with Belgian Endive is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its combination of crisp Belgian endive, sweet oranges, and grapes, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Fruit Salad with Belgian Endive. It was a warm summer day, just like any other, and I was at the local farmer's market, perusing the vibrant array of fruits and vegetables. As I made my way through the bustling aisles, a stall caught my eye with its display of beautiful Belgian endives.

I had never cooked with Belgian endives before, but something about their crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor intrigued me. I struck up a conversation with the farmer, who was more than happy to share his favorite ways of preparing the vegetable. He mentioned a fruit salad recipe that he had learned from his grandmother, a simple yet elegant dish that combined the sweetness of fresh fruits with the unique taste of Belgian endive.

Intrigued, I asked him for the recipe, and he graciously wrote it down on a scrap of paper for me. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could already envision the flavors melding together in a harmonious blend of sweet and savory. I thanked the farmer profusely and quickly gathered the necessary fruits and endives to take home with me.

That evening, I set to work in my kitchen, chopping and slicing the fruits and endives with care. The colors and aromas filled the room, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as I followed the recipe step by step. As I mixed the ingredients together and drizzled on the tangy dressing, I knew I had stumbled upon a culinary gem.

When I finally sat down to taste the finished dish, I was blown away by the burst of flavors that danced on my palate. The sweetness of the fruits paired perfectly with the slight bitterness of the Belgian endive, creating a refreshing and satisfying salad that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with family and friends, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for seconds. It has become a signature dish of mine, a symbol of the joy and passion I put into my cooking. And every time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful day at the farmer's market, when I stumbled upon a recipe that would change the way I viewed food forever.

So here it is, my beloved recipe for Fruit Salad with Belgian Endive, passed down to me from a kind farmer and his grandmother. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and that it brings a little taste of joy and nostalgia to your own kitchen. Bon appétit!