Radicchio and Apple Salad

The radicchio and apple salad is a simple and tasty dish, perfect as an appetizer or a fresh and crunchy side dish. The sweetness of the apples pleasantly contrasts with the slight bitterness of the radicchio, creating a very pleasant balance of flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 head of red radicchio
• 1 large apple, preferably a crunchy and sweet-tart variety like Fuji or Granny Smith
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste (optional)
• Parmesan or Parmesan shavings (optional)
• Toasted walnuts or pine nuts for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Wash the radicchio under running water, dry it and cut it into strips that are not too thin.
2. Wash the apple, dry it, and cut it into thin slices or cubes, depending on your preferences. You can choose to peel it or not.
3. Immerse the apple slices or cubes in the lemon juice to prevent them from oxidizing and losing their color.
4. In a large bowl, combine the radicchio and apple, seasoning with extra virgin olive oil, salt and a pinch of black pepper, if desired.
5. Mix the ingredients carefully to distribute the dressing evenly.
6. (Optional) Add Parmesan shavings or Parmesan and garnish with toasted walnuts or pine nuts to add a crunchy touch and a dried fruit flavor.

Trivia

Red radicchio, typical of Italian cuisine, is particularly widespread in Veneto and is used in many traditional dishes. Its slightly bitter taste pairs well with the sweetness of fruits like apples, and the contrast of textures and flavors makes this salad surprisingly rich in nuances despite the simplicity of the ingredients.