Pink Salad!

Pink Radicchio, Fennel & Pomelo Salad with a Citrusy Shallot Vinaigrette

As the days start to get a little longer, the end of winter is in sight (maybe??). Winter produce is holding strong, but we need something vibrant and refreshing when everything else feels a little drab to get us through the rest of winter.

I’ve been absolutely obsessed with this salad lately, and it’s got everything: crisp, juicy, slightly bitter notes balanced with a citrusy shallot vinaigrette (& it’s pink!). Let’s dive into why these ingredients are so perfect right now, and why I think you’ll love it too.

Radicchio

First up, let’s talk radicchio. It’s one of those veggies that seems to get overlooked, but it’s such a gem, especially in the colder months when hearty, bitter veggies shine. Radicchio is a type of chicory, and its bitter flavor profile makes it a great counterpoint to all the sweet and juicy citrus we're using in this salad.

But it’s not just about the flavor—it’s also about the color. The vibrant pink hues of radicchio (I used the rosa del veneto variety) have a unique, ornamental quality that makes your plate look like art.

Fennel

Now, let’s talk fennel. It’s crunchy and has a slight licorice flavor, but when sliced thinly, it’s incredibly refreshing and balances out radicchio's bitterness. Its crisp texture also adds a nice contrast to the softer, juicy textures of citrus.

Pomelo

When we talk about citrus, we have to give a shoutout to pomelo. If you haven’t tried it, pomelo is like a cross between grapefruit and orange. It’s lightly tart and tangy, which makes it perfect for balancing out the bitterness of the radicchio. The dressing also goes heavy on the citrus, using meyer lemon and orange (juice and zest!).

While citrus isn’t grown in the northeast, I try to buy some citrus to brighten things up in the winter.

Why It’s Perfect Right Now

This salad, in its bright simplicity, speaks to the season we’re in. It’s fresh, it’s vibrant, and it celebrates the days getting longer as we move through winter. We’re in this in-between moment where winter produce is still dominating, but we need something bright and fresh to hold us over until spring. This salad is a perfect reflection of that.