Name: Radicchio Salad with Avocado Roses and Manchego Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 head of medium sized radicchio, cut into quarters; 1/4 cup Murray’s Cheese aged manchego cheese, shaved with peeler; 1/4 tsp sea salt, or more to taste; 1/2 small orange, freshly squeezed; 1/4 cup Simple Truth Organic Italian extra virgin olive oil; 1-2 avocados; 1/4 fresh lemon; Sea salt, to be sprinkled on avocados

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Introduction

This Radicchio Salad with Avocado Roses is a vibrant and elegant dish that combines the slight bitterness of radicchio with creamy avocado and tangy citrus dressing. Topped with aged manchego cheese, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a stunning appetizer.

A white plate filled with deep purple radicchio leaves, layered roughly at the base, topped with two bright green avocado roses positioned near the center. Thin, translucent white shavings of cheese are scattered over the purple leaves, adding texture contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by flower branches with small white blossoms, a small bowl of coarse salt, a glass with a rose-colored drink, and a soft gray cloth napkin. A woman's hand holds a golden spoon resting inside the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 head of medium sized radicchio, cut into quarters
1/4 cup Murray’s Cheese aged manchego cheese, shaved with peeler
1/4 tsp sea salt, or more to taste
1/2 small orange, freshly squeezed
1/4 cup Simple Truth Organic Italian extra virgin olive oil
1-2 avocados
1/4 fresh lemon
Sea salt, to be sprinkled on avocados

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the radicchio by cutting it into quarters and removing the core from the bottoms. Cut each quarter in half and gently crush the leaves with your hands to release bitterness. Soak the leaves in ice-cold water for 15–30 minutes. Drain using a salad spinner or pat dry with a towel. This can be done ahead and stored dry for up to 4–5 days.
Step 2: Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt until the dressing emulsifies. Adjust salt to taste. Set aside and whisk again before dressing the salad.
Step 3: Cut the avocado in half and peel off the skin. Place one half, cut side down, and slice thinly. The slices should be very thin to make shaping easier.
Step 4: Fan out the avocado slices in a long overlapping line. Starting from one end, carefully curl the slices toward the center to form a rose shape. Continue curling until the rose is complete.
Step 5: Toss the radicchio with the citrus dressing and lay it out on a serving plate. Shave manchego cheese over the salad. Transfer the avocado rose onto the salad or toast using a knife, then gently open the petals with your fingers to resemble a blooming rose. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the avocado and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Soaking radicchio in ice water reduces its bitterness, making the salad more balanced and pleasant.
Use ripe but firm avocados to help maintain the rose shape without smushing the slices.
Try substituting manchego with Parmesan or Pecorino for a different flavor.
For a sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the citrus vinaigrette.

Storage

Store leftover dressed radicchio salad separately from avocado roses to prevent browning. Keep radicchio wrapped in a paper towel inside an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Avocado roses are best enjoyed fresh but can be covered tightly and refrigerated for a few hours. Reheat is not recommended.

How to Serve

A white plate with a red floral pattern holds a salad with two rose-shaped green avocado slices placed on top of a base of deep purple radicchio leaves. Shredded white cheese is sprinkled over the radicchio in uneven pieces, adding a contrast in color and texture. A gold spoon rests on the edge of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with small sprigs of white blooming flowers placed around it, along with a small white bowl of salt, a glass with light amber liquid, and a gray cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

You can prepare and wash the radicchio up to 4–5 days in advance if stored properly, but assemble the avocado roses and toss salad with dressing just before serving for best freshness.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Using lemon juice on the avocado slices helps slow browning. Also, shape the rose just before serving and serve immediately for the best appearance and taste.