Freshness, crunch, boldness, and sweetness. This salad, both rustic and refined, brings together the subtle bitterness of endive, the creaminess of blue cheese, the round flavor of walnuts, and, optionally, a sweet touch from apple. A seasonal recipe perfect for spring lunches, to enjoy with ease and simplicity.
💼 Ingredients (serves 2)
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2 large endives
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40 g blue cheese (Roquefort or similar)
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20–25 g walnut halves
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1 tsp honey (optional)
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1 tbsp walnut oil (or olive oil)
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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Salt, pepper
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Optional: 1/2 apple (Gala for sweetness, Granny Smith for a tangy twist)
🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the endives
Trim off the hard, bitter base, then slice the endives into thin strips.
2. Add the ingredients
– Crumble the blue cheese over the endives.
– Roughly chop the walnuts and add them in.
– If using apple, dice it finely or slice it thin.
3. Make the vinaigrette
In a small bowl, mix the oil, vinegar, honey (if using), a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper.
4. Assemble the salad
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently just before serving.
🌟 Tips & Variations
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For a perfectly balanced sweet-savory touch, add both the apple and a drizzle of honey.
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Swap Roquefort for Bleu d’Auvergne, Fourme d’Ambert, or a mild sheep’s cheese for a softer version.
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Add a handful of toasted hazelnuts or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
🌱 Alternative Versions
Mild vegetarian version:
Use fresh goat cheese or feta instead of blue cheese.
Vegan version:
Try a plant-based blue "cheese" (or crumbled fermented tofu), walnut oil, and a vinaigrette made with maple syrup and mild mustard.
🛠️ Recommended Tools
• A glass (or stylish metal) salad bowl to elevate presentation – Check out the Quttin 4-piece silver & black set
• A sharp knife to slice apples or endives with precision – See the Ninja StaySharp knife block
• A small measuring spoon to perfectly balance honey and vinegar – because precision makes all the difference !
🧃 Perfect Pairing
Serve this salad with a slice of toasted country bread, a glass of dry cider, or a light herbal tea for a simple, comforting, and seasonal meal. Bon appétit! ✨
