Radicchio pear salad

Total 10 mins

Perfect for a summer delight or a year-round pick-me-up, this radicchio pear salad recipe unites crisp, bitter radicchio leaves, juicy pear slices, and creamy Castello® Danablu in an exploration of beautifully harmonious flavours. Finished with crunchy hazelnuts, a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a few sprigs of chervil, and this delicately aromatic dish achieves elegance in every bite.

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Ingredients

1 head radicchio
2 small or 1 large pear
75 g hazelnuts
balsamic glaze
fresh chervil
salt
pepper

Preparation

Pick the radicchio apart, rinse, and halve the largest leaves.

Place the radicchio on a serving plate, then top with pear slices, hazelnuts, crumbled cheese, balsamic glaze, and fresh chervil.

Season with salt and pepper.

Tips & Tricks

Look for a round, compact radicchio with sturdy leaves if you want a salad that holds its toppings well. Radicchio di Chioggia is the best pick, with curved leaves and a balanced bitterness that works for most tastes. If you prefer a sharper flavour and a more elongated, elegant look, Treviso is a good alternative, though it needs a bit more care when arranging. Rosalba is milder and more delicate, making it better suited to lighter toppings.

Tips & Tricks

Toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring regularly so they colour evenly. You will know they are ready when they turn golden. Cool them completely before scattering over the salad, as this keeps them crisp and prevents the residual heat from softening the leaves.

FAQ: Questions about radicchio pear salad

From selecting the best pears to preparing the radicchio pear salad in advance, you will find practical answers to the most popular questions just below.

  • What type of pears work best for radicchio pear salad?

    Firm, sweet pears are the best choice for a radicchio pear salad, as they hold their shape and balance the radicchio’s natural bitterness. Varieties such as Conference, Anjou, Bosc, or Williams (Bartlett) work well, as long as they are ripe but still firm. Very soft or overripe pears tend to release too much juice, which can weigh down the leaves and dull the contrast that makes the salad work.

  • Can I make a radicchio pear salad ahead of time?

    You can prepare parts of the radicchio pear salad up to 1 day in advance, but it is best to assemble it shortly before serving. The radicchio can be washed and stored in the fridge, and the hazelnuts can be toasted in advance. Slice the pears just before serving to prevent browning, and drizzle the balsamic glaze at the last moment so the leaves stay crisp. Store the components separately and combine them when you are ready to serve.

  • How do I store the radicchio pear salad?

    Store the radicchio pear salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It is best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the pears may begin to brown and the leaves can soften over time. If possible, keep the balsamic glaze separate and drizzle it over just before serving for a fresher result.

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Ideas and Inspiration

  • Brunch
    Brunch

    Shared brunchtime with friends is a blank canvas to paint your own masterpiece. A stroke of dressing. A sprinkle of seasoning and a sprig of herb. Enjoy!

    Brunch
  • Dinner Party
    Dinner Party

    An intimate moment with the other half or a celebration with a small crowd of your favourite people. Any dinner party you throw is a time to enjoy and share new tastes.

    Dinner Party
  • Date Night
    Date Night

    Turn down the lights, turn up the soft music and stir up the temperature with something indulging and unforgettable.

    Date Night
  • BBQ
    BBQ

    When the days get longer and the temperature rises, a few friends and an adventurous appetite is all you need.

    BBQ
  • New Year Celebrations
    New Year Celebrations
    New Year Celebrations
  • Easter
    Easter

    In between hunting for chocolate eggs and eating them, Easter is a great time to catch up with all the family and treat them to a delicious feast.

    Easter

Savour delightful moments with a radicchio pear salad

This radicchio pear salad is a treat for both the eyes and the palate. The deep purple leaves of the radicchio offer a gorgeous backdrop for the crisp green pear, creamy white Danablu, and crunchy hazelnuts. A final drizzle of balsamic glaze brings it all together with a syrupy sweetness and subtle acidity. This salad delivers a delicious and deeply satisfying experience and proves that elegance does not need to be complicated.

If this radicchio pear salad has sparked your appetite, there are more delicious recipes waiting to be explored, including a grilled asparagus salad, a wholesome steak salad, and broccoli chicken pizza.

Sweet and juicy meets crisp and bitter

It is often said that opposites attract, and that could not be truer than in this radicchio pear salad. The pear delivers sweetness and a tender, juicy texture that softens the radicchio’s pronounced bitterness. The radicchio answers with a crisp bite that balances the honey-like notes of the pear slices. Their interplay prepares the palate for the creamy cheese, toasted nuts, and glossy drizzle that complete the harmony of flavour.

A luxurious touch with intense blue cheese and crunchy hazelnuts

A scattering of toppings is all it takes to make this salad extra indulgent and luxurious. Castello® Danablu introduces a savoury intensity supported by a fine nutty aroma and delicate hints of marzipan. It breaks into delicate crumbles at first touch, then softens and melts as you take a bite, offering a creamy counterpoint to the crisp leaves. Hazelnuts follow with a pleasant crunch, while the faint bitterness of the skins subtly echoes the notes of the radicchio.

Explore delightful ways to serve this salad

This radicchio pear salad is a beautiful starter for any dinner party. Serve it with thick slices of sourdough bread, warm focaccia, or a crusty baguette, and use the bread to scoop up the balsamic glaze and cheese that settles between the leaves. Served this way, it captures a moment where anticipation and appetite meet.

The salad also makes a brilliant accompaniment to many different main dishes. Grilled sea bass or baked salmon benefit from their crispness, while herb-roasted chicken, grilled steak, or roast pork gain freshness from the bitter leaves and sweet fruit – then all that’s left is to complete the menu with new potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables. Whether enjoyed as a starter, alongside a main, or as part of a relaxed weekday meal, this salad quietly draws you in.

Elevate the experience with a few creative ideas

Explore new ingredients and thoughtful swaps in this radicchio pear salad.

Replace hazelnuts with walnuts if you prefer a slightly more pronounced bitterness that works exquisitely with pear, or choose pecans for a softer crunch and a naturally sweeter profile.

To play with texture, add thin apple slices for an extra-crisp bite, shaved fennel for freshness, or a scattering of toasted sourdough crumbs to introduce warmth and contrast. Fresh figs bring a softer, jammy sweetness, while blood orange segments or a handful of pomegranate seeds add a brighter and juicier finish.

Seasonally, the salad is easy to adapt. In autumn, additions like roasted squash or beetroot bring a mild sweetness and an earthy note that pairs nicely with the pear. In summer, you can include a few fresh berries to add freshness and extra juiciness.

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