Winter White Salad With Endive and Pomegranate

A elegant winter salad featuring crisp endive, Granny Smith apples, and hazelnuts, topped with aged Manchego cheese and pomegranate seeds. Dressed with a light orange-vinegar vinaigrette, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.

6 servings
35 min

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup hazelnuts
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 whole Granny Smith apples
  • pounds endive
  • ½ pound daikon radishes
  • pound aged Manchego cheese
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 13-15 minutes. Wrap nuts in a kitchen towel and let steam 1 minute. Rub nuts in towel to remove loose skins (don't worry about skins that don't come off) and let cool.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, orange juice, and 2 tsp. salt in a medium bowl, then whisk in 3 Tbsp. oil in a slow, steady stream.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Coarsely chop cooled nuts. Toss with remaining 1 1/2 tsp. oil and a pinch of salt in a large wide bowl. Core and thinly slice apples; add to bowl along with endive and radishes.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Drizzle dressing over salad. Gently but thoroughly toss just until salad is evenly dressed; adjust seasonings. Divide salad among serving plates. Top with cheese and pomegranate seeds.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Nuts can be toasted and cooled up to 3 days ahead. Keep covered at room temperature.