This mouthwatering Giada endive, pancetta, and tomato salad feels like a gourmet dish—it’s that good. It’s made with simple ingredients like pancetta, cherry tomatoes, and endives, and the flavors are just incredible.

It takes 20 minutes to prepare, which gives me just enough time to set the mood with a bottle of wine while it’s cooking. It’s my favorite side dish because it’s Italian-inspired and so easy to make. I like to serve it with extra grilled bread on the side—it never disappoints.

Recipe Ingredients

• 6 thin slices pancetta
• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 Belgian endives, trimmed and cut in ¾-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, toasted and crushed
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

How To Make Giada endive, pancetta, and tomato salad

Crisp the Pancetta

1. Roast the Pancetta: Lay the pancetta slices on a rimmed baking sheet and cook in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until deep brown and crisp. Drain on a paper towel–lined plate.

Assemble the Salad

1. Mix the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, olive oil, and salt.
2. Add the Veggies and Cheese (and Pancetta): Add the tomatoes, endives, and crushed coriander seeds to the dressing. Toss gently to coat. Break the pancetta into 1- to 2-inch pieces and toss with the salad.
3. Plate and Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano: Divide the dressed salad among 4 salad plates and sprinkle with the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Visual Appeal: For a more visually appealing salad, consider the vibrant colors of cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes to add an extra pop of color and create a stunning presentation, perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.
• Alternative Crunch: To add a different texture element to the salad, try using prosciutto or serrano ham instead of pancetta for a crisper, less fatty component, and add some toasted pine nuts or almonds for a satisfying crunch.
• Spice it Up: To boost the flavor of the salad, throw in some chopped fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme, and give it a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to create a refreshing and revitalizing taste experience, while the herb flavors stay subtle.
• Endive Variations: To add some nice twists to the classic endive, try using radicchio or red leaf lettuce as alternatives for a beautiful color contrast and a delightful slightly bittersweet taste, while the peppery notes complement the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Make it a Main Course: To turn this salad into a hearty and satisfying main course, add some protein-rich grilled chicken, steak, or pan-seared salmon, which not only adds textures and flavors but also contributes to the filling and wholesome character of the meal, ideal for busy weeknights or dinner gatherings.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Swiss Chard Rolls
• Giada Goat Cheese Toasts
• Giada Spiced Kabocha Squash Risotto