Castelfranco and Radish Salad
Castelfranco and Radish Salad This salad is a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate the arrival of spring. The castelfranco, with its slightly bitter flavor, pairs perfectly with the sweet radishes and tangy goat cheese. The walnuts add a bit of crunch, and the honey-balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together. This salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. If you don't have castelfranco, you can substitute another type of lettuce, such as arugula or frisée. If you don't like goat cheese, you can use another type of cheese, such as feta or blue cheese. And if you don't have honey, you can use another type of sweetener, such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
This salad was created by J. Kenji López-Alt, the Chief Culinary Consultant for Serious Eats. López-Alt is a James Beard Award-winning chef and cookbook author who is known for his innovative approach to cooking. He developed this salad as a way to showcase the flavors of spring vegetables. López-Alt starts with castelfranco, a type of lettuce that is known for its slightly bitter flavor. He then adds radishes, which add a bit of sweetness and crunch. The goat cheese adds a tangy flavor, and the walnuts add a bit of crunch. The honey-balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity. This salad is a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring. It is light and refreshing, and it is packed with flavor.
Castelfranco and Radish Salad Castelfranco and Radish Salad Castelfranco and Radish Salad Castelfranco and Radish Salad
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 head castelfranco, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 bunch radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the castelfranco, radishes, walnuts, and goat cheese.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why It Works
  • The castelfranco and radishes provide a nice balance of flavors, with the bitterness of the castelfranco offsetting the sweetness of the radishes.
  • The goat cheese adds a bit of tanginess and creaminess to the salad.
  • The walnuts add a bit of crunch and texture.
  • The honey-balsamic vinaigrette is a perfect dressing for this salad, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity.