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Red and White Endive Salad

This elegant red and white endive salad brings a touch of sophisticated French bistro style to your table. The combination of pale, crisp chicory and vibrant red endive leaves creates a visually stunning dish that balances a delicate bitterness with a bright, mustard-flecked dressing. Using a mild, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil ensures the vinaigrette remains silky without overpowering the fresh herbs.

As a naturally vegan starter or light side dish, this recipe is perfect for dinner parties or a quick weekend lunch. The addition of fresh chervil and chives provides a delicate aniseed note and a garden-fresh fragrance. Serve it alongside roasted root vegetables or a crusty sourdough loaf to make the most of the leftover shallot vinaigrette on the plate.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Red and White Endive Salad

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons white-wine or Champagne vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped shallot

  • 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

  • 60ml extra-virgin olive oil (preferably French or mild)

  • 450g Belgian endives (preferably half red and half white), cut crosswise into 1 1/2-inch pieces and separated

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped chervil or flat-leaf parsley

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives

How to make Red and White Endive Salad

Whisk together vinegar, shallot, mustard, 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/8 teaspoons pepper in a large bowl, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until combined.

Just before serving, add endives and herbs, tossing to coat.

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.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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