Grilled Radicchio and Avocado Salad with Zhug Recipe

Name: Grilled Radicchio and Avocado Salad with Zhug
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 head radicchio; 2 avocados, halved, peeled, and pitted; 1 lemon, halved; 5 tablespoons olive oil; 1 jalapeño pepper; 3/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves; 3/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves; 3 cloves garlic, smashed; 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 head butterhead lettuce, torn; 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This fresh and flavorful salad combines smoky grilled radicchio, creamy avocados, and a zesty zhug dressing made with fresh herbs and garlic. It's a perfect side dish for any summer meal!

Ingredients

1 head radicchio
2 avocados, halved, peeled, and pitted
1 lemon, halved
5 tablespoons olive oil
1 jalapeno pepper
3/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
3/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
3 cloves garlic, smashed
3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 head butterhead lettuce, torn
1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

Follow these simple steps for a smoky, fresh salad that's packed with flavor.

Preheat the grill: Heat your outdoor grill to medium (350 to 375F or 175 to 190C).
Prepare the radicchio: Remove any wilted outer leaves from the radicchio, then cut the head in half lengthwise through the core.
Brush and arrange: Brush the cut sides of the radicchio, avocados, and lemon with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place them, cut sides down, on the grill along with the whole jalapeno pepper. Cover the grill.
Grill the vegetables: Grill the radicchio for 2 to 3 minutes, turning halfway through, until charred. Grill the avocados and lemon for 3 to 4 minutes until the cut sides are charred. Grill the jalapeno, turning occasionally to char all sides, for about 8 minutes.
Cool and chop: Once cool enough to handle, core and roughly chop the radicchio and avocado. Transfer them to a serving bowl.
Prepare the zhug: Stem and, if desired, seed the grilled jalapeno. In a blender or food processor, combine the jalapeno, grilled lemon juice, parsley, cilantro, garlic, coriander, salt, and the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Blend until smooth.
Assemble the salad: Add the torn butterhead lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and zhug dressing to the radicchio and avocado mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant, flavorful salad!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 516
Total Fat: 42g (54% of daily value)
Saturated Fat: 7g (34% of daily value)
Cholesterol: 5mg (2% of daily value)
Sodium: 277mg (12% of daily value)
Total Carbohydrates: 40g (14% of daily value)
Dietary Fiber: 17g (62% of daily value)
Total Sugars: 10g
Protein: 9g (19% of daily value)
Vitamin C: 147mg (164% of daily value)
Calcium: 199mg (15% of daily value)
Iron: 4mg (21% of daily value)
Potassium: 1372mg (29% of daily value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Grilled Radicchio and Avocado Salad with Zhug

The combination of radicchio, avocado, and zhug in a grilled salad is a modern culinary creation that blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Radicchio, a bitter Italian leaf vegetable, has been cultivated in Northern Italy for centuries, particularly in Veneto and Friuli. Its bold flavor has traditionally been used in risottos, pasta, and simple grilled dishes. The addition of avocado, a fruit native to Central and South America, reflects contemporary fusion cuisine trends, while zhug, a spicy Yemeni herb-based sauce, adds a Middle Eastern punch to the dish.

Regional Characteristics

This salad reflects a fascinating cross-cultural culinary heritage. In Italy, radicchio is often grilled or roasted to mellow its bitterness and enhance its smoky aroma. In contrast, zhug originates from Yemen, where it is used as a condiment with meats, breads, and legumes, providing a fiery and herbaceous flavor. The fusion of these elements results in a dish that bridges Mediterranean grilling traditions with the aromatic spiciness of Levantine cuisine. The use of fresh parsley, cilantro, and lemon juice in zhug ensures the salad is bright, vibrant, and refreshingtraits celebrated in both regions.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike typical green salads or avocado salads, this recipe stands out due to its grilled components. The slight char on radicchio and avocado introduces a complex smokiness that contrasts with the creamy texture of avocado and the sharp zest of lemon. Unlike traditional Middle Eastern salads, which are often raw, this dish combines raw butterhead lettuce with grilled ingredients, creating a layered texture experience. The inclusion of Parmesan cheese is also a unique Mediterranean twist that distinguishes it from other zhug-based preparations.

Typical Serving Occasions

This salad is versatile and can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian main courses. It is also popular in contemporary brunch menus or as a light dinner option, particularly in the summer months when grilling is favored. Restaurants specializing in fusion cuisine or modern Mediterranean dishes often feature this salad, highlighting its vibrant flavors and visually appealing presentation.

Interesting Facts

Grilling radicchio reduces its natural bitterness while enhancing its slightly sweet undertones.
Zhug, the sauce in this recipe, is traditionally made extremely spicy in Yemen, but here it is mellowed to complement the salad without overwhelming it.
Avocados creamy texture balances the crispness of radicchio and the heat of the sauce, creating a complex mouthfeel.
This salad represents a growing trend in global cuisine where ingredients from different continents are harmoniously combined.
The use of grilled lemon juice in the dressing not only adds acidity but also imparts a smoky depth that is rare in conventional salad dressings.

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!

FAQ about Grilled Radicchio and Avocado Salad with Zhug Recipe

While the grilled ingredients, like radicchio and avocados, should be prepared fresh for the best texture and flavor, you can prepare the zhug sauce in advance. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also pre-grill the vegetables, store them in an airtight container, and assemble the salad just before serving.

If you have any leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. However, the texture of the avocado and grilled vegetables may change, so it's best to consume it soon after making it. The zhug sauce can be kept separately in a sealed container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Yes, you can use other bitter greens like endive, arugula, or frisée if radicchio is not available. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will still complement the grilled vegetables and zhug sauce.

If you don't want to grill the ingredients, you can roast the vegetables in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until charred. Alternatively, you can use a stovetop grill pan or a broiler. The charred flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious.

If you prefer a milder sauce, you can use a mild chili like a poblano pepper or a bell pepper. For a more subtle heat, you can also reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds before blending.

Yes! The salad is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free substitute like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

Zhug can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's a great sauce to keep on hand for other dishes as well.

While store-bought hot sauce can be used as a substitute, it won't provide the same fresh herbal flavor that zhug offers. If you prefer a quicker option, a green chili sauce or a herby pesto could work in a pinch.

Comments

Amy Parker

01/07/2024 12:33:33 PM

Tasty! The sauce has a wonderful tanginess that perfectly enhances the crispy salad with creamy avocado. We enjoyed it for dinner alongside a few fried eggs. Overall, it was a fantastic meal.