Copycat Insalata Nostrana (Radicchio Caesar)

an overhead of a bowl of radicchio salad with dressing and croutons.

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Copycat Insalata Nostrana (Radicchio Caesar)

Our take on Nostrana's staple menu item!

Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Diet Vegetarian

Servings cups

Calories 159kcal

Author Tracy

Equipment

Ingredients

1 head radicchio approximately 5 cups
1 cup croutons
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Creamy Dressing

1 large egg yolk
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
3 anchovies
2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
pinch kosher salt

Instructions

Prep Radicchio: Halve, core, and chop the radicchio. Add to a large mixing bowl and fill with cold water and ice. Let it soak for 1 hr.
Make Dressing: First, add the anchovies, garlic, and a pinch of salt to a mortar. Use a pestle to grind into a paste. Add to the bowl of a food processor, and then add the egg yolk, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Blend in the food processor and very, very slowly add the olive oil while it blends to emulsify and create a creamy dressing.
This can also be done in a large mixing bowl and a whisk, whisking vigorously as the oil is added.
Prep Croutons: Add the croutons to a Ziploc bag and gently crush to break into smaller pieces.
Drain and Dry Radicchio: After an hour, drain and spin dry or pat dry the radicchio. Dry the large mixing bowl.
Mix Salad: Add the radicchio back to the large mixing bowl. Add Parmesan cheese and dressing, and mix well. Finish with broken up croutons and mix.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in the fridge before serving.

Notes

Egg Yolk: This salad contains an uncooked egg yolk. Using raw (unpasterized eggs) carries the risk of Salmonella. Pasterized eggs from the grocery store or pasterized at home are safe to eat.

Make Ahead

You can absolutely prep the radicchio and the dressing ahead of time and store in the fridge up to 1 day in advance and then dress before serving because this salad is best served freshly dressed.

Nutrition