Radicchio and Grapefruit Salad

The bitter tang of radicchio, the juicy sweetness of grapefruit, the sharpness of red onion, the saltiness of feta cheese, and the nuttiness of walnuts come together in this refreshing and flavorful salad. Topped with a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

This salad was inspired by a trip to Italy, where I had the pleasure of eating at a small trattoria in the countryside. The owner of the trattoria served us a salad that was made with radicchio, grapefruit, red onion, feta cheese, and walnuts. The salad was so delicious that I asked the owner for the recipe. He was kind enough to share it with me, and I've been making it ever since. I've made a few small changes to the original recipe, but the basic ingredients and flavors are the same. This salad is now one of my favorites, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head of radicchio, thinly sliced
• 2 grapefruits, peeled and segmented
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the radicchio, grapefruit, red onion, feta cheese, and walnuts.
2. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Why It Works

• The bitterness of the radicchio is balanced by the sweetness of the grapefruit.
• The sharpness of the red onion adds a nice contrast to the other flavors.
• The saltiness of the feta cheese adds a savory element to the salad.
• The nuttiness of the walnuts adds a bit of crunch and texture.
• The olive oil and lemon juice dressing is light and refreshing, and it helps to bring all of the flavors together.