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Radicchio Salad with Sourdough Dressing

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant radicchio salad with sourdough dressing offers a sophisticated balance of bitter greens and rich, tangy flavours. By using sourdough in two ways—toasted into crunchy croutons and blended into a silky vinaigrette—this recipe creates a satisfying depth of texture. The bitter notes of the radicchio are beautifully offset by the acidity of the red wine vinegar and the subtle sweetness of the dressing, making it a standout starter or a light lunch.

As a versatile vegan dish, it works wonderfully as a refreshing side for a larger Mediterranean spread or as a standalone plant-based meal. The inclusion of spring onions adds a mild bite, while the unusual bread-thickened dressing provides a creamy consistency without the need for dairy. Serve it immediately while the croutons are perfectly crisp for the best contrast against the tender leaves.

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Ingredients for Radicchio Salad with Sourdough Dressing

  • 90g sourdough bread, crust removed, torn into small pieces (about 240ml ), divided

  • 1 tablespoon plus 80ml olive oil

  • Kosher salt

  • freshly ground pepper

  • 1 small garlic clove

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 head radicchio, leaves separated, torn if large

  • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

How to make Radicchio Salad with Sourdough Dressing

Preheat oven to 425°. Toss half of bread with 1 tablespoon oil on a rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Bake, tossing once, until golden brown, 8-10 minutes.

Pulse garlic, vinegar, mustard, sugar, remaining bread, and 2 tablespoons water in a blender to combine; let sit 5 minutes to soften bread. With motor running, gradually add remaining 80ml oil; blend until smooth (bread will blend into dressing, thickening and flavoring it, while retaining some texture), about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

Toss radicchio, spring onions, croutons, and dressing in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper.

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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