Sometimes in the dead of winter, a salad is just what you need. Not a green salad really, but a winter salad. I admit that in winter, I tend to substitute my love of salads for veggie-laden soups and stews. But there are salads that are very appropriate for the winter months, especially if you are craving that fresh crunch!

There are so many blog and social media posts a buzz this week about healthy lifestyles, and this salad definitely fits into that category, although I love it whether I am watching what I eat, or not. The ingredients are few and simple, but together they are so complementary and dare I say addictive!

This salad is really made exceptional with a few special ingredients, dried Montmorency (sour) cherries and marcona almonds, both of which I buy from Trader Joe’s. But the ingredient that really makes it special is my violet infused balsamic vinegar that I get from The Ancient Olive in Saint Augustine, Florida. It is utterly delicious and always reserved for my raw salads. The balsamic is thick and it has a rich flavor, where the violet is barely detectable, although it adds a kind of sweetness to the vinegar which pairs really well with the tart dried cherries. You can make this salad with regular balsamic vinegar and it will still be delicious. Sprinkle everything with a healthy dash of black pepper before tossing and this salad will become one of your winter favorites!

This radicchio salad is great for a (very!) quick lunch, or stands up well to a nice roast for a balanced dinner.

Radicchio Salad with Dried Montmorency Cherries and Marcona Almonds

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

 

This salad is really made exceptional with a few special ingredients, dried Montmorency (sour) cherries and marcona almonds, both of which I buy from Trader Joe’s. But the ingredient that really makes it special is violet infused balsamic vinegar!

Author: The Yum Queen (Jenn Campus)

Recipe type: Salad

Cuisine: American

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head of radicchio, chopped
• ¼ cup of dried Montmorency cherries
• ¼ cup of Marcona almonds
• pinch of salt
• a couple dashes of ground black pepper
• drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• drizzle of balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Place radicchio, dried cherries, almonds, salt and pepper into a large mixing bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Pour over the salad and toss together, then taste and adjust seasonings as necessary for taste.

3.3.3077

UP THE YUM: Use violet infused balsamic vinegar, or pomegranate balsamic in place of regular balsamic vinegar

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