Radicchio Orange Salad Recipe
This Radicchio Orange Salad Recipe is utterly and impressively delicious! If you’ve ever felt completely satisfied after eating a simple salad, this recipe is for you. And if you get to the end of the plate knowing you’re about to drink the vinaigrette, then this recipe is definitely for you.
You’ll need radicchio, oranges, and kiwi for the salad, which is then served with a fresh orange red wine vinaigrette. The full recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
It’s not complicated, but for the best flavor, try to use the highest-quality ingredients you can find. Fresh, seasonal ingredients always contribute to the vibrancy and flavor of a beautiful plate.
If you enjoy the sweet and bitter flavor combination in this salad, be sure to also try my Radicchio Cucumber and Avocado Recipe with creamy avocado and a red wine garlic vinaigrette.
Why You’ll Love This Radicchio Orange Salad
- Very easy to prepare for a quick family dinner, yet impressive enough for guests.
- This Italian-inspired radicchio salad has a fresh Mediterranean feel.
- A delicious way to serve radicchio and experiment with bold, balanced flavors.
- The orange red wine vinaigrette perfectly balances the slight bitterness of the radicchio.
Recipe Tips
Before you begin, here are a few tips to help you make the very best radicchio orange salad.
- Use organic oranges if you plan on leaving the peels on.
- Choose fresh, seasonal oranges that are juicy and sweet. Dry oranges can affect the overall flavor of the salad.
- Slice the oranges as thinly as possible for the prettiest presentation.
- Remove the thick stems from the radicchio. I find them very bitter and when trying to achieve a less bitter tasting salad, then I leave them out. You can always save them for another recipe.
- Serve the salad fresh, just before serving, to keep the fruit vibrant and the leaves crisp.
- Use a white plate or platter to really make the colors stand out.
- Add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent soggy fruit.
The most important tip I can share is to finish the salad with flaky sea salt. It’s the final touch that brings all the flavors together and makes you want to drink the vinaigrette straight from the plate.
I use Maldon sea salt, which helps balance the natural bitterness of the radicchio while enhancing the sweetness of the citrus.
Ingredients
- Radicchio
- Oranges
- Kiwi
For the orange red wine vinaigrette
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Orange zest
- Fresh orange juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional crunchy topping
- Berry granola mix, lightly crushed in a food processor for added crunch and sweetness
The slight sweetness works beautifully with the citrus and complements the bitterness of the radicchio rather than competing with it.
How To Make This Radicchio Orange Salad Recipe
Rinse and separate the radicchio leaves
Separate the radicchio leaves and rinse them well. I prefer removing the thick white stems because they can be quite bitter, but you are free to include them if you enjoy the extra bite.
Shake or pat dry
Shake the leaves dry, or gently pat them dry with paper towel, then arrange them on a white plate or serving platter.
Wash and slice the oranges
Wash the oranges well and thinly slice them into rounds. Arrange the slices over the radicchio leaves however you like.
Peel and slice the kiwi
Peel and thinly slice the kiwi, then scatter the slices over the oranges and radicchio.
How To Make The Orange Vinaigrette
Wash and zest one orange.
Add the zest to a jar or jug, then squeeze the juice of the orange into the same container.
Add:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Shake well and serve with the salad.
Optional Crunchy Sweetness
For extra texture and sweetness, sprinkle over berry granola or homemade granola just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this radicchio orange salad as:
- A light lunch
- A fresh side salad for grilled meats or fish
- Part of an Italian-inspired spread
- A colorful starter for entertaining
FAQ’s For Radicchio Orange Salad
What does radicchio taste like?
Radicchio has a slightly bitter flavor with a crisp texture. When paired with sweet oranges and a citrus vinaigrette, the bitterness becomes beautifully balanced and refreshing.
Can I make this radicchio orange salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for the freshest texture, assemble the salad and add the vinaigrette just before serving.
What oranges work best in this salad?
Sweet, juicy seasonal oranges work best. Blood oranges, navel oranges, or Cara Cara oranges are all delicious options.
Can I use another fruit instead of kiwi?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced pears, grapefruit, pomegranate seeds, or strawberries would also pair beautifully with radicchio and orange.
How do I make radicchio less bitter?
Removing the thick white stems and finishing the salad with flaky sea salt helps soften the bitterness while balancing the flavors.
What can I serve with radicchio orange salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, charcuterie boards, or Italian-inspired meals.
Can I store leftover vinaigrette?
Yes. Store the orange red wine vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake well before serving.
Is this radicchio orange salad gluten-free?
Yes, the salad itself is naturally gluten-free. Just skip the optional granola topping or use a gluten-free granola if needed.
More Italian-Inspired Salad Recipes
- Blood Orange Salad Dressing (Vinaigrette) 5 Minute Recipe
- Tuscan Panzanella Salad
- Simple Orange Salad Recipe
- Italian Caprese Bruschetta
- Italian salad
- Grilled Peaches and Proscuitto
More Orange Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Orange Cake
- Simple Orange Salad Recipe
- Best Fruit Salad Recipe Served in Glasses (Perfect For Summer)
- Crispy Roasted Orange Duck Recipe
- Brown Sugar Orange Glaze (Easy Ham Glaze)
- Blood Orange Salad Dressing (5-Minute Vinaigrette
- Best Citrus And Fennel Salad
Not orange-based, but equally delicious: Try this Fig and Mascarpone Tartine with A Warm Honey-Balsamic Glaze
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Your comments help other readers and are always one of my favorite parts of sharing recipes online.
Radicchio Orange Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large serving plate or platter
- Small jar or jug for dressing
- Sharp knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1 head radicchio leaves separated and rinsed
- 2–3 oranges thinly sliced
- 2 kiwi fruit peeled and sliced
For the orange red wine vinaigrette
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional topping
- Berry granola or homemade granola lightly crushed
Instructions
- Separate the radicchio leaves and rinse them well. Remove the thick white stems if preferred for a less bitter salad.
- Shake or pat the leaves dry and arrange them on a serving plate or platter.
- Wash the oranges well and thinly slice them into rounds. Arrange the orange slices over the radicchio leaves.
- Peel and thinly slice the kiwi fruit, then scatter the slices over the salad.
- To make the vinaigrette, add the orange zest and orange juice to a small jar or jug.
- Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
- Shake or whisk well until combined.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
- Finish with flaky sea salt and optional crushed granola for extra crunch and sweetness.
Notes
- Use fresh, seasonal oranges for the best flavor.
- Organic oranges work best if leaving some peel on the slices.
- Thinly sliced oranges create the prettiest presentation.
- Maldon sea salt works beautifully in this salad and helps balance the bitterness of the radicchio.
- Serve immediately after dressing to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
