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Warm Prawns and Escarole Salad

This sophisticated warm prawn and escarole salad offers a wonderful balance of textures and deep, savoury flavours. The slight bitterness of the escarole leaves is perfectly offset by the salty depth of melted anchovies and capers, while the pan-fried radishes provide a surprising crunch. Using high-quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice ensures the dressing remains light, allowing the natural sweetness of the large prawns to take centre stage in this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and packed with lean protein. It makes for an elegant midweek supper or a nutritious lunch that feels far more indulgent than its healthy credentials suggest. Serve it immediately while the prawns are succulent and the greens are just beginning to wilt, perhaps with an extra squeeze of lemon for a bright finish.

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Ingredients for Warm Prawns and Escarole Salad

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 2 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained

  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons drained capers, chopped

  • 8 radishes, trimmed, quartered

  • 575g large prawns, peeled, deveined

  • 1 head of escarole, torn into large pieces (about 1500g )

  • 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

How to make Warm Prawns and Escarole Salad

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add anchovies and cook, mashing with the back of a spoon, until anchovies dissolve and a paste forms, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and capers; cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant but not brown, about 1 minute.

Increase heat to medium-high. Add radishes and cook, tossing often, until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add prawns; cook, tossing occasionally, until just cooked through, about 4 minutes.

Add half of escarole and toss until beginning to wilt, about 1 minute. Add remaining escarole and toss until wilted, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat.

Add Parmesan and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper; toss to combine.

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.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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