This radicchio and rocket salad is a classical Italian salad that has many variations. It is tasty, and a great accompaniment to many dishes as well as a good standalone starter too.
Both rocket and radicchio have beneficial and complementary properties. Both support liver detoxification, while radicchio like all bitter foods is supportive of digestion, especially for those with little stomach acid.
Rocket (or arugula as it is known in US) is considered a “superfood” or to better say a very nutrient-dense salad, rich in minerals and vitamins like folates and magnesium. As all the plants from the Brassica family, it is rich in phytochemicals which are nutrients found in plants only. Read more about the benefits of arugula here.
Radicchio on the other hand has anti-inflammatory properties due to its red pigment.
Where to buy radicchio in UK
Radicchio is now sold in Wholefoods, Natoora, some branches of Bayleaf and Sage, many Farmer’s Markets and local fruit & vegetable stalls. Originally from Italy, it is now cultivated in Kent and in other parts of UK. If you cannot find radicchio you can use “red endive salad” commonly sold in Waitrose.
What you can add to this Italian Arugula and radicchio salad
This salad is very versatile because you can have it in this simple version, or you can a host of different vegetables, herbs and seeds according to availability. This will increase the nutritional value of the salad.
Here are some ideas
- Spring onions
- Avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cos lettuce
- Radish
- Cucumber
- Fennel
The classic Italian vinaigrette to go with this Italian salad
- Extra-virgin Olive Oil
- A dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- A dash of good quality balsamic glaze ( sulfite-free and organic if you can)
- A dash of dried organic oregano
- A sprinkle of fennel seeds (optional)
Ingredients
- 30 gr Rocket salad
- 3 leaves Red radicchio
- a dash dried organic oregano
- 1 Drizzle Extra-virgin Olive Oil
- a dash Organic balsamic glaze
- a dash Lemon juice
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
Simply place the salad leaves in bowl, roughly by hand, add the seasoning, toss and serve!
