Roasted Apple Radicchio Salad

Roasted Apple and Radicchio Salad with Meyer Lemon Horseradish Dressing brings together cool weather produce, salty bacon, and a punchy homemade vinaigrette in a quick yet elegant fall salad. The contrasting sweet roasted apples and bitter radicchio make every bite a little celebration of the season.

I first made this for a last minute Thanksgiving potluck and it vanished before anything else. The warm bacon and juicy roasted apples had friends asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• Thick cut bacon: Choose thicker slices for texture and smoky depth Try to source from a local butcher if you can
• Honeycrisp apples: Their crunch and sweetness shine when roasted Pick fruit that smells fragrant and feels heavy for its size
• Fennel seeds: Give subtle anise warmth and echo the fresh fennel bulb Go for whole seeds as ground does not offer the same pop
• Radicchio: Provides a splash of color and gentle bitterness Slice uniformly for elegant presentation
• Celery with leaves: Tender inner stalks and leaves offer herbal brightness Always check for crispness and vivid color
• Fennel bulb: Brings crunch and licorice undertones Look for tight bulbs with fresh feathery fronds
• Watercress: Adds peppery bite and a shot of green vitality Use young watercress for the tenderest leaves
• Fresh cracked black pepper: Brightens the salad layer just before serving Use coarsely crushed for best aroma
• Meyer lemon: Both juice and zest liven up the dressing These are sweeter than regular lemons and worth the splurge
• Olive oil: A fruity robust oil helps the vinaigrette sing Taste before buying to ensure freshness
• Creamed horseradish: Blends heat and creaminess in the dressing Read the label to avoid additives or artificial flavors
• Pinch salt: Balances everything Use kosher or sea salt for clean flavor

Instructions

Prep Bacon and Apples:

Arrange thick bacon slices on a baking sheet and bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until barely crisp Turn apples into thin wedges and scatter on the same tray Toss with rendered bacon fat for flavor Sprinkle fennel seeds evenly across for even toasting Roast until apples soften and edges caramelize and the bacon is golden then set aside to cool

Slice Vegetables:

Core radicchio and slice into thin wedges making sure slices are fork friendly Remove fennel bulb core and cut into delicate slices Slice celery at an angle using leafy tops too Combine all prepared veggies and watercress in a large wooden salad bowl

Make the Meyer Lemon Horseradish Dressing:

Combine Meyer lemon juice and zest olive oil creamed horseradish and a pinch of salt in a jar Emulsify everything together with an immersion blender Taste and adjust as needed for tartness smoothness or heat

Dress the Salad:

Lightly drizzle veggies with some dressing ensuring everything is gently coated Sprinkle with fresh cracked black pepper right before tossing for best flavor

Add Bacon and Apples:

Crumble the cooled bacon roughly and scatter it across the salad Add the roasted caramelized apple wedges and any flavorful bits from the pan A light splash more dressing over the top ties it all together

Serve:

Transfer to plates or serve straight from the bowl letting guests get a mix of every texture and flavor

Radicchio was always a tough sell at home until I roasted apples alongside it The sweet and bitter balance means even picky eaters go back for seconds

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days After day one apples and bacon will lose a little texture but flavors meld nicely Store extra dressing separately and add fresh before serving for best mouthfeel If making ahead store all elements separately and toss together just before eating

Ingredient Substitutions

Pear can substitute for apples if you love a soft floral sweetness Regular lemons may step in for Meyer taste before dressing as they are more tart Dandelion greens or baby kale can take the place of watercress if that is what is available Use pancetta in place of bacon for a less smoky profile

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant salad is a showstopper beside roasted chicken or turkey Add a soft cheese like goat cheese or blue for extra richness Try it as a side for grain bowls or pile it on rustic toast for lunch Leftover salad fits beautifully into a wrap with grilled chicken

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Radicchio is an Italian chicory grown for its jewel tone color and bite and stars in Italian winter salads Meyer lemons are a prized winter citrus originally from China Their aroma combines lemon and mandarin and gives this salad a subtle perfume Fennel has long been an Italian staple and pairs with pork and apples throughout Tuscan cuisine

Seasonal Adaptations

Use crisp Bosc pears in winter when apples are less sweet Try blood orange in place of Meyer lemon for a vivid winter spin Add toasted walnuts or hazelnuts for extra richness when available

Success Stories

My friends and family always request this salad for potlucks My youngest now asks for the sweet roasted apples with Sunday breakfast The first time I brought this to a holiday dinner it disappeared in minutes and everyone wanted the recipe

Freezer Meal Conversion

This salad does not freeze well given its delicate greens and fresh apple The dressing however can be made ahead and frozen for up to one month Thaw and shake before using Assemble salad elements fresh for best flavor and crisp texture

This elegant fall salad is a feast for your eyes and palate with every sweet, smoky, and crisp bite. Let it wow your guests or simply brighten a weekday dinner at home.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What apple variety works best for this dish?

Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweetness and firm texture, which hold up well when roasted.

→ Can I substitute another green for watercress?

Yes, baby arugula or spinach can be used as a substitute for watercress if preferred.

→ Is the bacon essential, or can it be omitted?

You may omit the bacon for a vegetarian version, or use plant-based alternatives for smoky flavor.

→ How do I prepare the dressing for this combination?

Blend Meyer lemon juice, olive oil, and horseradish until emulsified, then season with a pinch of salt to taste.

→ What makes the Meyer lemon special in the dressing?

Meyer lemon offers a sweeter, less acidic flavor than regular lemons, adding a unique citrus brightness.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

The dressing and roasted apples can be made in advance, but assemble just before serving for best texture.