Radicchio Salad with Olives, Chickpeas and Parmesan
Recipe courtesy of the Simply Recipes blog
Servings 4
Prep Time 15 minutesmins
Cook Time 10 minutesmins
Ingredients
1/4cupsunflower seeds
1large head radicchio10-12 ounces
1can16 ounces California green ripe olives, drained, rinsed and roughly chopped
1can16 ounces chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1cupfinely grated Parmesan cheesedivided
3tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
4tablespoonsolive oil
1/4teaspoonsaltplus additional, to taste
1/8teaspoonfresh-ground black pepperplus additional, to taste
Instructions
Add sunflowers seeds to small, dry skillet. Toast over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until seeds are toasted around edges and smell fragrant.
Transfer seeds to bowl to cool.
Peel away and discard a layer or two of outer radicchio leaves if they look wilted or battered. Cut head of radicchio into quarters through root. Trim away root.
Cut each quarter crosswise into strips, 1- to 1 1/2-inches thick. Transfer to large mixing bowl.
Add olives, chickpeas and 3/4 cup cheese to bowl with radicchio.
Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss gently until ingredients are evenly coated. If cheese clumps together, break apart with spatula and stir in.
Let salad stand at least 10 minutes, or up to an hour.
Add additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve salad on individual plates or one shared platter. Top with remaining cheese and toasted sunflower seeds.
Substitution: If radicchio is unavailable, try frisee, endive or another bitter green.
Notes
Note: Salad is best served within one hour of preparation, but can be stored in airtight container in fridge for several days.