Ina Garten’s Zesty Winter Greens with Stilton & Hazelnuts Recipe

Winter greens burst with vibrant colors and robust flavors that transform ordinary salads into extraordinary culinary experiences.

This elegant salad combines crisp, slightly bitter leafy vegetables with rich, creamy cheese and crunchy nuts.

Sophisticated yet simple, winter greens offer remarkable nutritional benefits and visual appeal.

Chefs love winter greens for their versatility and intense flavor profiles that elevate basic dishes.

Professional and home cooks appreciate these hearty greens as a delightful canvas for creative ingredient combinations.

The delicate balance between tender leaves and robust accompaniments creates a harmonious taste sensation.

Your taste buds will dance with excitement when encountering this perfectly crafted winter greens masterpiece:

Variations for Cooler Season Salads

• Winter Green Fusion: Replace Stilton with creamy goat cheese for a tangy, lighter flavor profile that complements the bitter greens.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap hazelnuts for toasted pine nuts and add fresh oregano and thyme to introduce a Mediterranean-inspired dimension to the salad.
• Citrus Power Punch: Incorporate blood orange segments and use blood orange-infused olive oil in the dressing for a vibrant, zesty enhancement that brightens the winter greens.
• Protein-Packed Green Bowl: Add grilled chicken or seared salmon strips to transform the salad into a substantial main course, maintaining the original dressing and nut components.

Hazelnut Salad Wrap-Up

Winter greens dance with bold Stilton and crunchy hazelnuts, creating elegant harmony on plate.

Ina Garten’s signature touch elevates simple ingredients into extraordinary culinary experience.

Green leaves whisper Mediterranean elegance while tangy cheese adds robust character.

Hazelnut’s earthy crunch provides perfect textural contrast against delicate lettuce landscape.

Classic vinaigrette binds ingredients with bright lemon and smooth olive oil nuances.

Complex yet accessible, salad invites sophisticated palates to explore seasonal botanical symphony.

Savor each forkful, share recipe’s magic, spread deliciousness across social networks, and let culinary passion spark connection among fellow enthusiasts.

Why Winter Greens & Stilton Hit the Spot

• Uncover Vibrant Winter Salad: A refreshing mix of crisp endive, treviso, butter lettuce, and peppery arugula creates a stunning winter greens salad that bursts with flavor and texture.
• Toast and Crunch Perfection: Carefully toasted hazelnuts add a warm, nutty dimension and satisfying crunch, transforming an ordinary salad into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Tangy Stilton Elegance: The bold, creamy Stilton cheese introduces a rich, tangy element that beautifully complements the fresh greens and provides a luxurious depth to the dish.
• Quick and Effortless Elegance: This sophisticated salad comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties without complicated preparation.

Must-Haves for Ina’s Hazelnut Salad

• Endive, Treviso, Butter Lettuce, Arugula: Fresh, crisp winter greens with different textures and peppery flavors, perfect for a vibrant salad base.

• Hazelnuts, Stilton: Toasted hazelnuts add crunch and warmth, while tangy Stilton cheese provides rich, creamy depth to the salad.

• Lemon Juice, Olive Oil: Bright, zesty citrus and smooth olive oil create a balanced and light dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Toss Together a Nutty Winter Bowl

Step 1: Prepare The Leafy Base

Gently separate endive and Treviso leaves. If leaves are large, slice them lengthwise. Transfer to a spacious serving bowl. Tear butter lettuce into generous chunks. Add arugula leaves alongside other greens.

Step 2: Toast Nutty Crunch

Heat a small dry sauté pan over low temperature. Add hazelnuts and toast 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Transfer nuts to a kitchen towel. Rub vigorously to remove loose skins. Roughly chop the nuts.

Step 3: Create Zesty Dressing

• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Whole grain mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Assemble And Finish

Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over greens. Crumble Stilton cheese across the salad. Drizzle dressing evenly, ensuring light coating. Gently toss ingredients to distribute flavors. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.

Tips for Balancing Rich Flavors

• Select Peak-Freshness Greens: Grab the brightest, crispest winter greens from your local market or produce section to ensure maximum flavor and texture in your salad.
• Master Hazelnut Toasting Technique: Gently roast hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release their rich, nutty aroma.
• Easily Remove Hazelnut Skins: Wrap warm toasted hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel and gently rub to shed their papery skins, revealing a smoother, more delicate nut underneath.
• Elevate with Premium Olive Oil: Invest in a high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil that adds depth and richness to your salad dressing without overpowering the delicate greens.
• Dress Salad Just Before Serving: Drizzle the dressing moments before bringing the salad to the table to maintain the greens' crisp texture and prevent wilting.

Store Your Winter Greens Right

• Preserve Integrity: Transfer salad components separately to maintain optimal texture. Store mixed greens in a sealed glass container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, preventing wilting and keeping leaves crunchy for up to 48 hours.
• Chill Strategically: Keep hazelnuts and crumbled Stilton in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator's cooler section. These delicate ingredients retain maximum flavor and crispness when separated from leafy greens, ensuring a perfect crunch when reassembling the salad.
• Dressing Wisdom: Always store vinaigrette in a small mason jar with a tight lid, keeping it chilled and separate from salad ingredients. This method prevents soggy greens and allows for fresh, vibrant flavor when you're ready to enjoy your winter greens salad, ensuring each bite remains crisp and delightful.

Ina Garten Winter Greens With Stilton & Hazelnuts Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Winter greens salad from Ina Garten brings sophisticated flavors together with creamy Stilton and crunchy hazelnuts. Rich Mediterranean ingredients mingle deliciously, creating a sophisticated side dish you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ pound Belgian endives
• ½ pound Treviso or radicchio
• 1 head butter lettuce
• 3 ounces (85 grams) baby arugula
• ½ pound (227 grams) English Stilton cheese

Nuts:

• ½ cup (60 grams) whole hazelnuts

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) good olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Meticulously wash and dry all salad greens, ensuring no moisture remains. Carefully separate endive and Treviso leaves, cutting larger leaves in half lengthwise for uniform size. Tear butter lettuce into generous pieces and arrange in a spacious serving bowl.
2. Heat a dry sauté pan (20 centimeters / 8 inches) over low temperature. Gently toast hazelnuts, stirring frequently for 5 to 7 minutes until they release a rich, nutty aroma. Transfer nuts to a clean kitchen towel and vigorously rub to remove loose skins.
3. Coarsely chop the roasted hazelnuts using a sharp knife. Crumble Stilton cheese into rustic, uneven pieces to create textural interest in the salad.
4. Prepare the vinaigrette by combining fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, kosher salt (1½ teaspoons or 7.5 grams), and freshly ground black pepper (¾ teaspoon or 1.5 grams) in a glass measuring cup.
5. Whisk the dressing ingredients vigorously until a smooth, emulsified mixture forms. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Drizzle the vinaigrette sparingly over the greens, ensuring each leaf is lightly coated. Gently toss the salad to distribute the dressing and ingredients evenly. Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the greens.

Notes

• Preserve Salad Crispness: Keep greens dry and chilled before mixing to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent wilting during preparation.
• Master Hazelnut Technique: Gently roast nuts at low temperature, stirring frequently to ensure even golden color without burning their delicate flavor.
• Elevate Dressing Quality: Select extra virgin olive oil with smooth, fruity notes that complement the salad’s natural ingredients without overpowering them.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Add dressing sparingly and toss gently to coat leaves evenly, preventing soggy texture that can ruin the salad’s appeal.
• Enhance Texture Thoughtfully: Remove hazelnut skins carefully after toasting to reduce bitterness and create a more refined, smooth mouthfeel.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
• Calories: 592.75 kcal
• Sugar: 1.12 g
• Sodium: 227.75 mg
• Fat: 55.85 g
• Saturated Fat: 16.55 g
• Carbohydrates: 5.75 g
• Fiber: 2.38 g
• Protein: 15.05 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg