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Radicchio and Apple Salad with Parmesan Crisps

This vibrant radicchio and apple salad offers a sophisticated balance of flavours and textures, making it an excellent choice for a vegetarian starter or a fresh side dish. The bitterness of the radicchio leaves is beautifully offset by the sweetness of thinly sliced Pink Lady apples and a warm honey-mustard vinaigrette. Touches of peppery rocket add depth, while the finely grated Parmesan provides a savoury, salty finish that ties the seasonal ingredients together.

Providing a satisfying crunch, the homemade Parmesan crisps are a simple yet impressive addition to this dish. These golden shards add a gourmet feel to the salad, ensuring it stands out whether you are serving a light lunch or entertaining guests at a dinner party. For the best results, use a crisp, tart apple variety to contrast with the rich, nutty notes of the toasted cheese.

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Ingredients for Radicchio and Apple Salad with Parmesan Crisps

  • 170g Parmesan, finely grated, divided

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1/2 small shallot, finely chopped

  • 80ml olive oil

  • 45ml white wine vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 medium heads of radicchio, leaves separated, torn in half if large

  • 1 medium bunch rocket, tough stems removed

  • 1 large Pink Lady apple, thinly sliced

  • Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

Preheat oven to 177°C. On a silicone mat-lined baking sheet, divide 110g grated Parmesan into 8 mounds. (Alternatively, line with parchment paper and coat with nonstick spray.) Press with your fingers to flatten. Bake until cheese is golden and melted, 6-8 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to a wire rack and let cool; break crisps into coarse pieces.

Heat honey in a small skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Whisk honey, shallot, oil, vinegar, and mustard in a large bowl; season with kosher salt and pepper.

Add radicchio, rocket, apple, and remaining grated Parmesan to vinaigrette; toss to coat. Season with sea salt and pepper. Serve topped with crisps.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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