Endive Salad with Orange and Almonds

Name: Endive Salad with Orange and Almonds
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 endive heads, sliced; 2 large oranges, segmented; 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely adore this Endive Salad with Orange and Almonds! It’s a refreshing dish that truly brightens up any meal. The combination of crunchy endive, sweet oranges, and nutty almonds creates a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. It's simple to throw together, yet elegant enough to impress guests at a dinner party. I love serving it as a light starter or as a side dish for grilled meats. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free addition to our table.

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-07T12:58:07.604Z

When I first tried this Endive Salad, I was amazed by the burst of flavors and textures in each bite! The crunchy endive pairs beautifully with citrusy oranges, and the toasted almonds add a lovely crunch. I realized that the secret to this salad is in the fresh ingredients; using ripe oranges and fresh almonds really elevates the dish.

To keep the salad vibrant, I recommend serving it immediately after tossing it with the dressing. Letting it sit too long can cause the endive to wilt. I always make the dressing fresh, whisking together olive oil, vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt for the perfect balance!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crisp endive adds a refreshing crunch that brightens every bite
Sweet, juicy oranges complement the bitterness of the endive beautifully
Toasted almonds provide a satisfying texture and nutty flavor

      

Understanding Endive

Endive is a unique leafy vegetable known for its crisp texture and slightly bitter taste. Its robust structure provides an excellent base for salads, as it remains crunchy even when dressed. When selecting endive, look for heads that are firm and have a vibrant, unblemished appearance. If the leaves are wilted or brown, it may be past its prime.

To get the most out of your endive, slice it just before serving. This helps retain its crunchiness, ensuring a fresh bite with every forkful. Endive can also vary in bitterness, so be sure to taste yours before dressing the salad. This will help you determine your preferred balance of flavors.

Choosing and Preparing Oranges

For this salad, sweet, juicy oranges are essential. Navel oranges work beautifully due to their sweetness and easy peel, but feel free to substitute with blood oranges for a stunning presentation and slightly different flavor profile. When segmenting oranges, use a sharp knife to cut away the peel and white pith; this technique not only makes for a cleaner look but also enhances the eating experience by removing bitterness.

If oranges aren't in season, consider using canned mandarins in juice (not syrup) as a quick substitute. Just be sure to drain them well before adding to the salad. The bright and tangy flavor of oranges beautifully offsets the bitterness of endive, making their inclusion crucial for the salad's overall balance.

Making Ahead and Serving Suggestions

This Endive Salad can be made ahead of time, but I recommend storing the endive and dressing separately until just before serving. This prevents the leaves from wilting due to the dressing. You can prepare the orange segments and toasted almonds a few hours in advance; simply keep them refrigerated in airtight containers until ready to combine.

For an elegant presentation, consider serving the salad in a chilled bowl. The contrast of the crisp endive and juicy oranges with the warmth of toasted almonds creates a beautiful dish. If you want more protein, feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp, which complements the flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious salad:

Ingredients

4 endive heads, sliced
2 large oranges, segmented
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your salad:

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss the sliced endive, orange segments, and toasted almonds together.

Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Serve Immediately

Plate the salad and serve immediately, enjoying the crunch and freshness.

Enjoy your refreshing salad!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds before serving.

Tackling Common Issues

If the dressing feels too oily, you can balance it by adding a bit more vinegar or honey. This enhances the overall flavor and ensures the salad is not overpowered by the fat. Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad to adjust flavors according to your preference.

An overly bitter endive can be mellowed by soaking the leaves in cold water for about 15 minutes. This quick trick can help draw out some of that bitterness, resulting in a more harmonious salad when paired with the sweet oranges.

Exploring Variations

You can easily modify this salad to fit your dietary preferences. For a vegan option, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar; both sweeteners will complement the dish well without compromising flavor. Additionally, sunflower seeds or walnuts can be used instead of almonds, providing different textures and nutrients.

If you want to add more dimensions to the salad, consider incorporating grated cheese like feta or blue cheese for richness. Just sprinkle it over the top before serving, but be cautious not to overpower the delicate balance of sweetness and bitterness already present in the salad.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best to assemble this salad just before serving to keep the endive crisp. You can prepare the dressing in advance.

→ What can I substitute for endive?

You can use frisée or arugula for a similar crunchy texture and slightly peppery flavor.

→ Is it possible to add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp would be fantastic additions to make the salad more filling.

→ Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes, walnuts or pecans would work well, providing different flavor profiles and textures.