There’s a symphony of flavors and textures in Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing that never fails to impress, even in the simplest of moments. Picture this: you’ve just returned home after a long day, craving something fresh and vibrant, yet simple to prepare. This salad checks all those boxes—and then some. The bold zest of lemon paired with the umami punch of anchovies creates a dressing that transforms even the most mundane greens into a culinary masterpiece.
I stumbled upon this eye-catching dish at a friend’s dinner party, and it was love at first bite. The surprising combination of chicories and crunchy vegetables, all tossed in that irresistible dressing, turned what could have been a typical salad into an adventure for the palate. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself to a wholesome meal, this recipe is a game-changer. Let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful creation that will surely become a staple in your kitchen!
Why is Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing special?
Bold and flavorful: This salad is anything but ordinary, featuring a unique anchovy dressing that adds depth and richness to your greens.
Vibrant textures: The mix of crunchy vegetables like kohlrabi and radishes combined with mixed chicories creates an exciting mouthfeel.
Easy to prepare: With just a few quick steps, you can elevate your dining experience without spending hours in the kitchen.
Impressive and crowd-pleasing: Perfect for entertaining, this dish is visually stunning and will leave your guests talking long after the meal is over.
Experience a lighter yet satisfying meal that gives you the best of homemade freshness. Don’t miss out—try more delicious salads to keep your culinary adventures going!
Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing Ingredients
• Elevate your next salad with this delicious recipe!
For the Dressing
• Fresh lemon juice – adds a zesty brightness to balance the richness of the anchovies.
• Fish sauce – introduces an umami flavor that complements the anchovies perfectly.
• Red wine vinegar – provides acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dressing.
• Fermented honey or honey – a hint of sweetness to counteract the savory components.
• Oil-packed anchovy fillets – lends a wonderful depth of flavor—perfect for this chicory salad!
• Garlic cloves – minced garlic contributes aromatic warmth to the dressing.
• Freshly grated hard cheese – adds a nutty, salty flavor that rounds out the dressing’s richness.
• Unfiltered sunflower oil – smoothens the dressing while adding a light nuttiness.
• Kosher salt – enhances all the flavors, making each ingredient pop.
• Freshly ground black pepper – brings an extra kick of spice to the dressing.
• Hatch chile powder or spicy red paprika powder – adds just the right amount of heat for a well-rounded taste.
• Freshly grated horseradish – introduces a peppery bite that brightens the entire dish.
For the Salad
• Mixed chicories – such as Treviso, puntarelle, and radicchio for a variety of flavors and textures.
• Fennel bulb – thinly sliced, it provides a refreshing crunch with a slight licorice taste.
• Radishes – their crispness and peppery flavor add a delightful contrast to the salad.
• Kohlrabi or small daikon radishes – their mild sweetness brings balance to the bolder flavors in the dish.
• Green onions – offers a fresh, mild onion flavor that lifts the entire salad.
• Fresh dill – enhances the salad with its light, herbaceous aroma.
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley – adds a touch of earthiness and vibrant green color.
• Fresh horseradish for garnish – a final touch of heat that elevates the presentation and flavor!
This vibrant and delicious salad is waiting to be enjoyed—perfect for those craving something homemade and fresh!
How to Make Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing
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Whisk Together: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, fish sauce, red wine vinegar, fermented honey (or honey), minced anchovies, garlic, Parmesan, sunflower oil, kosher salt, black pepper, chile powder, and horseradish. Cover and refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to use it.
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Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the mixed chicories, thinly sliced fennel, radishes, kohlrabi, and green onions. Add the chopped dill and flat-leaf parsley for a fresh touch.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared anchovy dressing over the vegetable mixture, and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
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Garnish and Serve: Finely grate some fresh horseradish over the top of the salad for an extra kick and serve immediately.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread for a delightful crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing?
Enhance your meal with delightful accompaniments that balance and elevate the bold flavors of this vibrant salad.
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Crusty Bread: The perfect companion to soak up the dressing, providing a comforting crunch that complements the freshness of the salad.
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Grilled Shrimp: Light and succulent, these add a protein boost and enhance the dish’s umami profile without overpowering the flavors.
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Roasted Potatoes: Golden and crispy, they offer a hearty contrast to the salad’s freshness while adding a satisfying texture variation.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of soft and hard cheeses invites a delightful fusion of flavors; go for tangy goat cheese or creamy Brie.
A mini-paragraph pairing: Pairing your salad with a charcuterie board featuring olives and assorted cheeses creates a celebration of tastes. The saltiness of the cheese harmonizes perfectly with the anchovy dressing, making it an inviting starter for any gathering.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio will highlight the lemony notes and cleanse your palate between bites.
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Fruit Sorbet: Finish the meal with a refreshing raspberry or lemon sorbet. It cleanses the palette and offers a harmonious transition from savory to sweet.
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Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of tangy pickles or quick-pickled carrots for a flavorful crunch that contrasts nicely with the dressing’s richness.
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Herbed Quinoa: A light, fluffy base flavored with fresh herbs harmonizes the salad’s boldness while providing a nutritious boost.
Tips for the Best Anchovy Dressing Salad
• Balanced Flavors: Ensure you don’t overdo the fish sauce; it should enhance the salad, not overpower it. Balancing the salty anchovies with the sweetness of honey is crucial.
• Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip the dill and parsley! Fresh herbs elevate the dish, providing bursts of flavor and color that truly make this Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing shine.
• Craving Crunch: Use fresh, crisp vegetables. When choosing chicories and radishes, look for vibrant colors and firm textures to ensure a delightful crunch in every bite.
• Chill Time: Allow the dressing to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your salad.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite crunchy vegetables! Carrots or bell peppers can add a new twist to your salad while still complementing the anchovy dressing.
How to Store and Freeze Anchovy Dressing Salad
Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the crispness of the vegetables, consider storing the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve.
Dressing Storage: The anchovy dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week. Make sure to keep it in a sealed jar, shaking it well before using to recombine all the flavors.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled salad, as the textures can become mushy when thawed. However, the dressing can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: There’s no need to heat the salad; simply toss the chilled ingredients together once more and enjoy the freshness of Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing as is!
Anchovy Dressing Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful variations that add a personal twist to your anchovy dressing salad!
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Vegan Swap: Replace anchovy fillets with mashed olives or capers for a briny, umami flavor that’s entirely plant-based.
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Creamy Addition: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of Greek yogurt for a rich and creamy texture, making it a delightful dip too.
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Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange or lime juice alongside lemon for a zesty, fruity flair that dances on your taste buds.
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Herb Explosion: Try swapping dill and parsley for fresh basil and cilantro. This refreshing combination elevates the dressing with a vibrant twist.
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Nutty Flavor: Add a tablespoon of toasted pine nuts or walnuts when serving for a crunchy contrast that adds depth to the dish.
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Spicy Kick: Upgrade the heat by incorporating finely chopped fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers directly into the dressing, giving an extra zing.
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Cheesy Variation: Use crumbled feta or goat cheese instead of hard cheese for a tangy creaminess that complements the bold flavors beautifully.
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Smoky Element: Sprinkle in some smoked paprika to infuse your dressing with layers of smoky flavor, enhancing the overall experience of the salad.
Experimenting with these variations not only sparks creativity in the kitchen but also keeps your taste buds excited for more!
Make Ahead Options
These Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the anchovy dressing up to 3 days in advance by whisking together the lemon juice, fish sauce, vinegar, honey, anchovies, garlic, Parmesan, sunflower oil, salt, pepper, chile powder, and horseradish. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful. Additionally, you can chop the chicories, fennel, radishes, and kohlrabi up to 24 hours before serving; simply store them in a sealed bag with a damp paper towel to prevent wilting. When you’re ready to serve, toss the vegetables with the prepared dressing and garnish with freshly grated horseradish for a refreshing meal that’s just as delicious as if made fresh!
Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting anchovies?
When choosing anchovies, look for oil-packed fillets that are firm and have a shiny appearance. Avoid any with dark spots or a strong fishy odor, as this can indicate they are past their prime. Fresh anchovies will enhance the dressing’s flavor beautifully.
How should I store leftover anchovy dressing?
Store the anchovy dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may settle. I often make this dressing in advance to allow the flavors to develop even more!
Can I freeze the salad or dressing?
While it’s not ideal to freeze the assembled salad due to the vegetables losing their crunch, you can freeze the anchovy dressing. Simply pour it into a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
What if I’m allergic to fish?
If you’re allergic to fish, you might consider substituting the anchovies with a mix of tahini, lemon juice, and a touch of miso for a similar umami flavor. However, keep in mind that this will alter the traditional flavor profile of the Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing.
How can I keep my salad vegetables fresh longer?
To maintain the freshness and crunch of your salad vegetables, store them in a breathable produce bag in the fridge. If you’ve already mixed the salad, consider keeping the dressing on the side until serving—this will help prevent wilting.
Can I use different greens in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various greens that you love. Spinach or arugula could be fun alternatives, adding their unique flavors while still complementing the anchovy dressing beautifully. Just remember to keep the texture in mind for a satisfying crunch!
Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, fish sauce, red wine vinegar, fermented honey (or honey), minced anchovies, garlic, Parmesan, sunflower oil, kosher salt, black pepper, chile powder, and horseradish. Cover and refrigerate the dressing until you're ready to use it.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed chicories, thinly sliced fennel, radishes, kohlrabi, and green onions. Add the chopped dill and flat-leaf parsley for a fresh touch.
- Pour the prepared anchovy dressing over the vegetable mixture, and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Finely grate some fresh horseradish over the top of the salad for an extra kick and serve immediately.