Endive Salad with Orange and Almonds

Name: Endive Salad with Orange and Almonds
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 endive heads, trimmed and sliced; 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented; 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I absolutely love this Endive Salad with Orange and Almonds, which brings together a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The crispness of the endives complements the juicy sweetness of the oranges, while the toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch. It's a refreshing side dish that I've often served at gatherings, and it never fails to impress my guests. This salad is not only easy to make but also provides a burst of color and nutrition to any meal, making it a perfect addition to our dining table.

Created by

Gwendolyn Reed

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:37:11.130Z

When I first tried this salad at a friend's dinner party, I was instantly drawn to the combination of flavors. The sweetness of the orange and the bitterness of the endive create a perfect harmony that brightens up any meal. I experimented with various dressings, but I found that a light vinaigrette allows the freshness to shine through.

Since then, I've been making this salad regularly. One tip I love to share is to toast the almonds just before serving. This enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch. It's such a simple step that elevates the dish immensely!

        Why You'll Love This Salad
        A refreshing blend of crisp endives and juicy oranges
Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch
Light and healthy, perfect for any occasion

      

Understanding Ingredients

The endives in this salad provide a unique bitterness that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the oranges. When selecting endives, look for crisp, tightly packed heads with no browning or wilting. This ensures that your salad has that satisfying crunch and a fresh flavor. If endives are hard to find, curly endive or radicchio can be a great substitute, offering a similar bitterness with vibrant color.

Oranges not only add sweetness but also a juicy textural contrast against the crisp endives. For this recipe, navel oranges work well thanks to their easy-to-peel skin and juicy segments. If you prefer a more tart flavor, consider using blood oranges, which will also enhance the visual appeal of your dish.

Dressing Tips

The dressing is essential for tying all the flavors together. When making your vinaigrette, whisk the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until fully emulsified; this should take about 30 seconds of vigorous whisking. If the vinaigrette separates, simply whisk it again just before serving. For a unique twist, try adding a teaspoon of honey or Dijon mustard to the dressing for extra depth of flavor.

Taste as you go! You may find that you prefer a bit more salt or vinegar depending on your palette. Keeping the dressing well-balanced is key to elevating the ingredients—don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to prepare the salad:

Salad Ingredients

4 endive heads, trimmed and sliced
2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Take your time to prepare and enjoy the assembly of these ingredients!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your endive salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the sliced endives and orange segments. Gently toss to mix.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat. Add the toasted almonds and feta cheese if using.

Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving platter and enjoy immediately for the best taste.

Serve and enjoy this vibrant salad as a side dish!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using citrus-infused olive oil. You can also substitute walnuts for almonds for a different texture.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be a vibrant side dish for grilled proteins like chicken or fish. Its freshness cuts through richer flavors and adds a lovely visual element to your meal. To prepare it ahead of time, mix the endives and oranges, but wait to add the toasted almonds and dressing until just before serving. This ensures the almonds stay crunchy and don’t become soggy.

For a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp directly to the salad, transforming it into a complete dish. The addition of proteins not only makes it more filling but also adds to the flavor complexity.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To keep this salad fresh, store leftover components separately in airtight containers. The dressed salad will only last for about 1 day in the refrigerator before the endives lose their crispness. If you plan to make this a day in advance, prepare all ingredients but wait to assemble and dress the salad until you're ready to serve.

Toasting the almonds is a key step that enhances their flavor, but you can prepare them ahead of time as well. Store toasted almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—just make sure they are completely cool before sealing the container to avoid moisture buildup.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best to prepare this salad right before serving to maintain the crispness of the endives. You can prep the ingredients ahead and mix them right before serving.

→ What can I substitute for endives?

You can use arugula or radicchio for a similar bitter flavor profile. However, the texture may differ.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative to feta?

Yes, you can use crumbled tofu or a non-dairy feta cheese as a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day to keep the endives from wilting.