2 strange but wonderful salads

Discover two unusual yet absolutely delicious salads that combine surprising textures and flavors! These recipes are perfect for revitalizing your meals after the holidays, offering you a perfect blend of health and taste. Whether you are a cooking enthusiast or a beginner, these quirky yet wonderful salads are sure to impress you.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Salad 1: Endive with Orange and Blue Cheese

Ingredients:
- 2 endives
- 1 strip of red bell pepper
- A few leaves of lettuce
- 1 large orange
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 100g blue cheese (preferably brie or gorgonzola)
- 1 small natural yogurt (approx. 150g)
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Fresh herbs (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Endives:
Start by cutting off the bitter part of the endives. This step is essential to reduce the bitterness and allow the flavors to shine. Slice them thinly so they mix well with the other ingredients.

2. Cutting the Vegetables:
Cut the red bell pepper into thin strips and tear the lettuce leaves into smaller pieces. These vegetables will add crunch and a pleasant contrast of textures.

3. Preparing the Orange:
Peel the orange and remove the white part, then cut it into cubes. The sweet and juicy flavor of the orange will perfectly balance the bitterness of the endives.

4. The Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix the mustard, olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, and pepper. You can also add a bit of balsamic vinegar for extra acidity. Mix well until you achieve a smooth emulsion.

5. Combining the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the endives, bell pepper, lettuce, and orange. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix to combine all the flavors.

6. Finishing Touch:
Top with crumbled blue cheese. If desired, sprinkle some fresh herbs for a more vibrant look.

This salad is perfect to be served as an appetizer or as a side dish. The combination of flavors makes every bite an explosion of tastes!

Salad 2: Endive with Oranges and Leftover Roast

Ingredients:
- 4 endives
- 2 oranges
- 1 grapefruit
- 1 natural yogurt (approx. 150g)
- Leftover roast chicken or smoked fish (approx. 200g)
- 50g raisins
- 3 walnuts (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice from 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Endives:
Just like in the first recipe, remove the bitter part of the endives and slice them thinly. They will add a crunchy note to the salad.

2. Preparing the Citrus:
Peel the oranges and grapefruit, removing the white part. Cut them into cubes or slices, depending on your preference. The tangy flavor of the grapefruit will provide an interesting contrast to the sweetness of the orange.

3. Adding the Proteins:
If using leftover roast chicken or fish, cut them into small pieces. These will turn the salad into a nutritious and delicious main course.

4. The Dressing:
In a bowl, mix the mustard, olive oil, yogurt, and lemon juice. This creamy dressing will tie all the ingredients together.

5. Assembling:
In a large bowl, combine the endives, citrus, leftover roast, and raisins. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently. Add the chopped walnuts for extra crunch.

6. Serving:
This salad is perfect to be served as a main dish or as a light lunch. It can also be enjoyed alongside fresh bread or a crunchy baguette.

Nutritional Benefits:
Both salads are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Endives are an excellent source of fiber, aiding digestion, while citrus fruits are full of vitamin C. Walnuts provide healthy fats, while yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for gut health.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I substitute endives with another salad?
Yes, you can use green salad or arugula, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I make the salads even more filling?
Add quinoa or cooked rice to turn them into complete meals.

3. Can these salads be stored?
It is recommended to consume them immediately, but you can keep the ingredients separate to assemble later.

4. What drinks pair well with these salads?
A dry white wine or iced tea with lemon can be the perfect choice to complement these dishes.

These quirky yet wonderful salads are an excellent way to experiment with new flavors and bring a fresh twist to your diet. By trying these recipes, you will surprise your friends and family with unique, flavorful combinations!