Skip to main content

Escarole Salad with Walnuts, Pecorino & Pickled Onions

Escarole is one of those greens I LOOOOOVE to use in a salad. It has a firm texture and an exciting flavor; to me it’s a sleeper hit. Whether you cook it or dress it with a nice bright vinaigrette, escarole stands up to whatever you dish out—it’s a green with a strong personality. Add a big ol’ acid punch with these onions, and this is what I call a party in your mouth.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves: 4

Ingredients

for the pickled onions

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 or 3 really good shots of Tabasco or other hot sauce
1 red onion, sliced into very thin rings

for the escarole salad

1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted (see page 17)
1 bunch of fresh chives
1 head of escarole, cut into bite-size pieces
Big fat finishing oil
Kosher salt

Preparation

  1. FOR THE PICKLED ONIONS

    Step 1

    Combine the vinegar with 1/2 cup cold water in a small bowl. Add the salt, sugar, and Tabasco and stir to combine; add the onion and let sit for at least 1 hour.

  2. FOR THE ESCAROLE SALAD

    Step 2

    Put the Pecorino, walnuts, and chives in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. In a large bowl, toss the escarole with the walnut mixture and some of the pickled red onions. Dress with a bit of the pickling liquid and finishing oil. Season with salt.

Cook Like a Rock Star
Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.