Catalan Escarole

Transform your salad game with the vibrant flavors of Catalan Escarole, a traditional Mediterranean dish that’s as simple as it is elegant. This recipe artfully balances contrasting textures and tastes: crisp escarole leaves serve as the perfect canvas for briny black olives, sweet plump raisins, nutty toasted pine nuts, and the savory depth of optional anchovy fillets. Tossed in a bold yet balanced dressing of garlic, sherry vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil, this Catalan favorite is a delightful fusion of earthy and tangy elements. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an effortless yet refined starter or side dish that pairs beautifully with crusty bread. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving healthier Mediterranean fare, this classic salad embodies both ease and elegance.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head escarole
• 0.5 cup black olives (pitted)
• 4 pieces anchovy fillets (optional)
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 0.25 cup raisins
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Wash the escarole thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large salad bowl.

Step 2

In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let them cool.

Step 3

Soak the raisins in a small bowl of warm water for 5 minutes to soften them. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

Mince the garlic finely or crush it into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle. Combine the garlic with the olive oil, sherry vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the dressing. Whisk until well emulsified.

Step 5

Add the black olives, anchovy fillets (if using), toasted pine nuts, and softened raisins to the bowl of escarole.

Step 6

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 7

Serve immediately as a starter or side dish. Enjoy this classic Catalan recipe with a slice of crusty bread for the full Mediterranean experience!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(651.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1279.5

Total Fat 111.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.0g
Cholesterol 46mg	0%
Sodium 5317.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 55.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.4g	0%
Total Sugars 28.0g
Protein 30.5g	0%

Vitamin D 320IU	0%
Calcium 338.4mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 1524.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 74.5%

Protein: 9.1%

Carbs: 16.5%