I absolutely love how easy this fresh and flavorful Giada chopped romaine and radicchio salad is to make. It only needs a few simple ingredients and takes about 20 minutes to prepare—perfect for when I’m craving something crunchy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

The mix of crunchy pita chips and the way the romaine and radicchio come together are just irresistible. To make it extra special, I add a pinch of kosher salt on top. It’s my go-to lunch when I want to impress without any stress.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Salad

• 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 large head radicchio, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• ½ English cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 avocado, pitted, scooped, and diced
• 2 cups pita chips, crushed
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

How To Make Giada chopped romaine and radicchio salad

Make the Dressing

1. Shake it Up: Throw all your dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, close it, and give it a good shake. You know, to get everything nice and mixed up!
2. Let it Chill: Let the dressing hang out for a bit while you prep the salad. This’ll give all those flavors a chance to mingle and get comfy.

Prepare the Salad

1. Get Your Veggies Ready: Chop, chop, chop! Get those romaine and radicchio hearts chopped up into nice, bite-sized pieces. Add in the basil, cucumber, and avocado. Yep, just toss ’em all in there!
2. Crunch Time: Throw those crushed pita chips in the mix, and you’ve got the base of an amazing salad!
3. Dress to Impress: Pour that prepped dressing over the salad, sprinkle on some kosher salt, and gently toss it all together. Easy peasy, and you’ve got yourself a salad superstar!

Recipe Tips

• Citrus Variations: Experiment by swapping the classic lemon juice and zest with other citrus flavors like blood orange, lime, or grapefruit, bringing unique twists to this Giada chopped romaine and radicchio salad.
• Protein Additions: Enhance the salad’s protein content by adding grilled chicken, seared salmon, or flavorful salami, and watch how the textures and tastes meld together harmoniously in this romaine and radicchio delight.
• Radicchio Prep Tips: To minimize radicchio’s bitterness, it’s crucial to remove the white, bitter core, use scissors to cut the leaves into thin strips, and give the cut pieces a brief soak in ice-cold water to reduce any lingering bitterness.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Elevate the salad to a rich and indulgent treat by sprinkling shaved Parmesan cheese and a dollop of whipped goat cheese for a contrast of creamy textures and bold flavors in this beloved Giada chopped romaine and radicchio recipe.
• Dress Ahead Strategy: Save precious time by prepping the salad’s creamy dressing elements up to a day in advance, assembling them with lemon juice and zest just before serving, resulting in a delightful balance of flavors and crunchy freshness.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Sole With Lemon Caper Sauce
• Giada Slow-Cooker Saffron Rice With Chicken Sausage
• Giada Butternut Squash Soup With Fontina Cheese Crostini