Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds with an unexpected symphony of flavors. Our Chicory Salad with Warm Apple Thyme Dressing is a gourmet revelation that elevates simple ingredients into a sophisticated French-inspired masterpiece. With its crisp chicory leaves, sweet apple, and aromatic thyme-infused warm dressing, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience that will leave your guests begging for more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicory heads, torn into leaves
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Tear the chicory heads into individual leaves and place them in a large salad bowl. This will serve as the base of your salad.
- Next, wash and dice the apple into small cubes. You can leave the skin on for added texture and color. Add the diced apple to the bowl with the chicory leaves.
- In a small skillet, toast the walnuts over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once they are golden and fragrant, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly before adding to the salad.
- In a separate small saucepan, combine the olive oil, diced apple, fresh thyme, and apple cider vinegar. Heat this mixture over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Once the dressing is warm, pour it over the chicory and apple mixture in the salad bowl. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that the leaves are well coated with the dressing.
- Add the toasted walnuts to the salad, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again lightly to incorporate the walnuts.
- Serve the salad immediately while the dressing is warm, garnishing with additional fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy your Chicory Salad with Warm Apple Thyme Dressing!
Tips
- • Choose chicory heads that are fresh and crisp, with bright green leaves free from wilting or brown spots. • Toast walnuts carefully - they can burn quickly, so stir constantly and watch for a golden color and nutty aroma. • Use fresh thyme if possible; dried thyme can work but won't provide the same vibrant flavor. • Keep the dressing warm but not boiling to preserve the delicate apple and thyme flavors. • Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the salad's texture and temperature contrast. • For extra elegance, consider using a variety of chicory like red or white for visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
