Endive salad with eggs

Endive Salad with Eggs – A Crispy Treat for Your Taste Buds

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

History and Context

Endive salad with eggs is a recipe that combines the freshness of vegetables with the flavor of boiled eggs, offering a light and healthy meal. This salad is often associated with the Mediterranean lifestyle, where fresh ingredients and natural flavors are highly valued. The endives, with their slightly bitter taste, provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the eggs and the creamy dressing.

This recipe is perfect for enjoying on warm summer days or as a delicious side dish for festive meals. Do you have some leftover eggs from Easter? Perfect! You can use them to create a delicious and colorful salad that will delight family and friends.

Ingredients

For the salad (4 servings):
- 2 medium endives
- 4 hard-boiled eggs (or leftover Easter eggs)
- 2-3 large leaves of green lettuce
- 2 cucumbers (or one long cucumber)
- 6-8 radishes

For the dressing:
- 150 g natural yogurt
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (with horseradish)
- 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (parsley, mint, chives)
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Step by Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Eggs
If you don’t have leftover Easter eggs, start by boiling the eggs. Place the eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, remove them and run them under cold water to stop the cooking. Let them cool, then peel and cut them into quarters.

Step 2: Preparing the Endives and Vegetables
Meanwhile, clean and wash the endives. Carefully separate the leaves, and depending on your preference, you can cut them into long strips or crosswise. Repeat this process with the green lettuce leaves, cutting them into suitable pieces for the salad.

The cucumbers should be peeled and sliced into rounds, while the radishes should be cleaned and cut into thin slices. These vegetables not only add color to the salad but also provide a fresh and crunchy taste.

Step 3: Preparing the Dressing
In a small bowl, crush the garlic cloves. Add the yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency. Gradually add the olive oil, stirring constantly to emulsify the dressing. Finally, add the chopped herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. You can adjust the acidity of the dressing by adding more or less lemon juice, depending on your preferences.

Step 4: Assembling the Salad
On a serving platter, arrange the endives and lettuce leaves in the center. Carefully surround them with the cut eggs, cucumbers, and radishes. The dressing can be poured in the middle of the salad or served separately, allowing everyone to add as much as they like. Garnish with fresh herb leaves for an attractive and appetizing appearance.

Step 5: Serving
This endive salad with eggs can be enjoyed as a light snack or as a main course in a festive meal. You can accompany it with a slice of whole grain bread or croutons to add a crunchy touch.

Practical Tips and Variations

- You can add other vegetables to this salad, such as grated carrots or bell peppers, to enhance the colors and flavors.
- Substitute yogurt with sour cream or a mayonnaise-based dressing if you prefer a richer texture.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add feta cheese or grated Parmesan.

Nutritional Benefits

This endive salad with eggs is rich in protein due to the eggs, while the endives and vegetables provide a considerable amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Olive oil is an excellent source of healthy fats that are beneficial for the heart. Additionally, yogurt offers probiotics that help maintain digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to boil eggs?
For hard-boiled eggs, start with cold water and boil them for 10-12 minutes. Stopping the cooking under cold running water helps maintain an ideal texture.

Can I use endives of another color?
Yes, red or even yellow endives can add interesting shades and varied flavors to your salad.

What other recipes can it be combined with?
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or baked fish. A dry white wine or a refreshing cocktail can wonderfully complement the meal.

In conclusion, endive salad with eggs is a delicious and healthy choice, easy to prepare and full of freshness. We encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!