Introduction
Welcome to our delectable Escarole and Butter Lettuce Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Hazelnuts. This vibrant salad combines the crispness of fresh greens, the sweetness of fruit, and a nutty zestiness that tantalizes your taste buds.
Tips for this Recipe
To enhance the flavors, ensure all ingredients are as fresh as possible. Toasting hazelnuts adds depth to the salad and can be done in minutes using a hand blender.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This unique combination of escarole, butter lettuce, and an array of textures creates a harmonious experience for your palate. The addition of pomegranate seeds introduces a delightful crunch and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lime peel
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
- 1/2 cup grapeseed oil or olive oil
- 1 large head of escarole, coarsely torn
- 1 head of butter lettuce, coarsely torn
- 1 Granny Smith apple, quartered, cored, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
- 2/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted, husked
Adviced Equipment
- Hand Blender – For making creamy dressings and pureeing ingredients like pomegranate seeds.
- High-Speed Spinning Salad Spinner – Quickly drying lettuce and other greens.
- Mandoline Slicer – Thinly slicing vegetables for added texture in the salad.
- Silicone Salad Serving Utensils – Neatly serving up your fresh salads.
- Nut Chopper (Hazelnuts) – Grinding hazelnuts to sprinkle on top of the salad.
- Glass Salad Dressing Bottles – Storing homemade dressings in an elegant and reusable manner.
- Kitchen Scissors – Cutting open packages or preparing herbs for the salad.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Ensuring precise measurements of ingredients.
- Cutting Board with Non-Slip Bottom – Safe cutting and handling of vegetables.
- Reusable Food Storage Containers (Glass) – Storing prepped salad components.
- Mixing Bowls – Combining salad ingredients, especially for larger batches.
History of the Recipe
Escarole and Butter Lettuce Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Hazelnuts has roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where fresh produce is often used to create dishes that highlight natural flavors. This recipe takes inspiration from traditional salads but introduces a playful twist by incorporating the distinctive taste of pomegranates and the earthy crunch of hazelnuts.
Fun Facts About This Recipe
The combination of escarole, lettuce varieties, and citrus elements creates a symphony of flavors that are both refreshingly light yet satisfying. Pomegranate seeds add not just crunch but also an impressive pop of color to the salad, making it visually appealing as well. Hazelnuts offer a perfect nutty contrast that complements other ingredients beautifully.