Grilled Radicchio & Avocado Salad with Zhug

A Guide to Elevate Your Salad Game

Whether you're a seasoned grilling enthusiast or a salad devotee looking for a bold twist, this recipe for Grilled Radicchio and Avocado Salad with Zhug promises to delight your taste buds.

This dish is the perfect combination of smoky, creamy, and spicy, offering a balance of textures and flavors that will have you craving more. Plus, it's easy to prepare and loaded with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for healthy eaters.

By the end of this recipe, you’ll know how to grill radicchio to perfection, create a creamy complement with avocado, and whip up a delicious batch of zhug, a spicy Middle Eastern herb sauce. Whether it’s a side dish for your barbecue or the centerpiece of your meal, this salad is sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Why Grilled Radicchio and Avocado?

Before we get into the recipe, let's explore why this pairing works so well.

Radicchio, with its slightly bitter edge, transforms beautifully when grilled, releasing a smoky sweetness that balances its natural tang. On the other hand, avocado brings a creamy richness that offsets radicchio’s boldness. Add zhug, made with fresh herbs, garlic, and spices, and you’ve got a dish full of vibrant flavors with a hint of heat.

This recipe is great not only because it’s packed with flavor, but also because it’s:

• Nutrient-Rich: Radicchio is an excellent source of vitamin K, antioxidants, and folate, while avocado is loaded with healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber.
• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this dish takes less than 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Everyone: It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Now, let’s jump into the steps to create this unforgettable salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this grilled masterpiece, here's what you'll need. The portion serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main dish.

For the Salad:

• 1 large head of radicchio, quartered, core intact
• 2 ripe but firm avocados, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Zhug:

• 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
• 1-2 green chilis (based on your spice tolerance)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Optional for Garnish:

• Toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds
• Crumbled vegan feta or goat cheese (optional for a non-vegan twist)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Radicchio and Avocado

• Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Season and Oil the Produce: Lightly brush the radicchio wedges and avocado halves with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
• Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze the lemon juice over the radicchio to tone down its bitterness during grilling.

Step 2: Grill the Radicchio and Avocado

• Grill the Radicchio: Place the radicchio wedges on the hot grill, cut side down. Grill for 2–3 minutes on each side until they’re slightly charred but still holding their shape. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Grill the Avocado: Lay the avocado halves cut side down on the grill. Cook for about 2 minutes, creating beautiful grill marks while warming through without softening too much.

Step 3: Make the Zhug

• Blend the Ingredients: Combine cilantro, parsley, chili, garlic, cumin, coriander, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth but slightly chunky for maximum texture. Taste and adjust salt or heat levels as desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

• Slice the Avocados: Carefully scoop the grilled avocado from its skin and slice it into thin wedges.
• Plate the Radicchio: Arrange the grilled radicchio wedges on a large serving platter.
• Top with Avocado: Layer the avocado generously over the radicchio, ensuring a mix of texture and color.
• Drizzle with Zhug: Spoon the zhug over the top, letting it pool slightly for dipping.

Step 5 (Optional): Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with toasted seeds for an added crunch. If desired, crumble vegan feta or traditional goat cheese over the top for extra creaminess.

And voilà! Your grilled radicchio and avocado salad with zhug is ready to serve.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Salad

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the zhug, use the freshest herbs you can find as they bring a vibrant, fragrant flavor.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili in the zhug to suit your spice preference. Start small and add more if needed.
• Get Creative: Experiment with additional toppings like roasted chickpeas or thinly sliced red onions to make the dish unique.
• Best Equipment: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan will work just as well for both the radicchio and avocado.

Why This Salad Belongs in Your Summer Repertoire

Not only does this salad boast stunning colors and flavors, but it also encourages a healthier approach to grilling. By turning simple vegetables into a masterpiece of taste and texture, it’s perfect as a summer side or a light weeknight dinner.

Hosting a barbecue? This salad feels effortlessly fancy, even though it's remarkably simple to make. With its nutrient-packed ingredients and the kick of zhug, it’s bound to satisfy a range of palates.

Take Your Salad Game to the Next Level

If you’re looking for more creative recipe ideas or tips on maximizing flavor, be sure to check out our library of healthy, grill-friendly dishes.

Got questions about this recipe? Share them in the comments or tag us on social media @yourbrand when you make your own Grilled Radicchio and Avocado Salad with Zhug—we’d love to see your culinary creations!