Frisee Salad
I still remember the first time I tried frisee salad at a local bistro. The combination of the slightly bitter frisee, the crunch of the bacon, and the tanginess of the vinaigrette was love at first bite. Since then, I've been perfecting my own frisee salad recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you. This salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal, and it's also a great side dish for any occasion.
One of the things I love about frisee salad is that it's a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season. Frisee is a type of endive that's available year-round, but it's at its best during the fall and winter months. The key to making a great frisee salad is to use the freshest ingredients possible, and to balance the flavors so that each bite is a perfect combination of sweet, sour, and savory.
In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious frisee salad with crispy bacon, tangy vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the salad your own. Whether you're a fan of frisee or just looking for a new salad recipe to try, I hope you'll enjoy this one.
So let's get started! To make this salad, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including frisee, bacon, red onion, and parmesan cheese. You'll also need a few pantry staples, such as olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Don't worry if you don't have all of these ingredients on hand - I'll provide some substitutions and variations below.
One of the best things about this salad is that it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish, or add some protein like grilled chicken or salmon to make it a main course. You can also customize the salad to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients - some other options might include chopped apples, dried cranberries, or toasted nuts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This salad is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
- It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season, and it's perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
- The combination of frisee, bacon, and vinaigrette is a classic and delicious flavor combination.
- You can customize the salad to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients.
- It's a great side dish or main course, and it's perfect for any occasion.
- The salad is healthy and nutritious, and it's a great way to get your daily dose of greens.
- It's a versatile recipe that can be made in advance and served at a later time.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making a great frisee salad is to balance the flavors and textures. The slightly bitter frisee provides a nice contrast to the sweet and tangy vinaigrette, while the crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch. The parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
Another important aspect of this salad is the dressing. I use a combination of olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard to create a tangy and creamy vinaigrette. The key to making a great vinaigrette is to use high-quality ingredients and to whisk the dressing until it's smooth and emulsified.
In addition to the ingredients, the technique is also important. I like to chop the frisee and red onion into small pieces, so that they're evenly distributed throughout the salad. I also cook the bacon until it's crispy, so that it adds a nice texture to the salad.
Finally, the presentation is important. I like to arrange the salad on a large platter or individual plates, and garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a few pieces of crispy bacon. This makes the salad look appealing and appetizing, and it's a great way to add a personal touch to the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this frisee salad, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key is to use the freshest ingredients possible, and to choose ingredients that are in season. Frisee is a type of endive that's available year-round, but it's at its best during the fall and winter months. You'll also need some crispy bacon, red onion, and parmesan cheese.
In addition to these ingredients, you'll need a few pantry staples, such as olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Don't worry if you don't have all of these ingredients on hand - I'll provide some substitutions and variations below.
- 4 cups frisee, choppedFrisee is a type of endive that's slightly bitter and crunchy. You can find it at most grocery stores, or substitute with other types of endive or lettuce if needed.
- 6 slices of bacon, choppedCrispy bacon adds a nice texture and flavor to the salad. You can use any type of bacon you like, but I prefer thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly slicedRed onion adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad. You can use any type of onion you like, but I prefer red onion for its mild flavor and crunchy texture.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shavedParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the salad. You can use any type of cheese you like, but I prefer parmesan for its rich and creamy flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is a healthy and flavorful oil that's perfect for making vinaigrette. You can use any type of oil you like, but I prefer olive oil for its rich and fruity flavor.
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the vinaigrette. You can use any type of vinegar you like, but I prefer apple cider vinegar for its mild flavor and health benefits.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustardDijon mustard adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the vinaigrette. You can use any type of mustard you like, but I prefer Dijon mustard for its rich and slightly sweet flavor.
- Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. You can use any type of salt and pepper you like, but I prefer kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for their rich and nuanced flavors.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright and fresh flavor to the salad. You can use any type of herb you like, but I prefer parsley for its mild flavor and crunchy texture.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chivesFresh chives add a oniony and slightly sweet flavor to the salad. You can use any type of herb you like, but I prefer chives for their mild flavor and crunchy texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Frisee Salad
- 1Chop the frisee into small pieces and place it in a large bowl.
- 2Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crispy, then chop it into small pieces and add it to the bowl with the frisee.
- 3Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the frisee and bacon.
- 4Shave the parmesan cheese and add it to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- 5In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until the vinaigrette is smooth and emulsified.
- 6Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste, then pour it over the salad and toss to combine.
- 7Chop the fresh parsley and chives, then sprinkle them over the top of the salad.
- 8Toss the salad again to combine, then serve immediately.
- 9To make ahead, prepare the salad up to a day in advance, but don't dress it until just before serving.
- 10To store, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 11To reheat, simply toss the salad with a little more vinaigrette and serve.
Expert Tips
- Use the freshest ingredients possible to make the best salad.
- Don't overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing.
- Add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
- Use a variety of ingredients to add texture and interest to the salad.
- Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own favorite ingredients to the salad.
- Make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.
- Use a high-quality vinaigrette to make the best salad.
- Add some crumbled blue cheese or chopped nuts to the salad for extra flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overdressing the salad, which can make it soggy and unappetizing.
- Not using the freshest ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the salad.
- Not chopping the ingredients finely enough, which can make the salad look messy and unappetizing.
- Not adding enough seasoning, which can make the salad taste bland and uninteresting.
- Not serving the salad immediately, which can cause it to become soggy and unappetizing.
- Not storing the salad properly, which can cause it to spoil or become unappetizing.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some diced apples or dried cranberries to the salad for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor.
- Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds, for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Use a different type of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine vinegar, for a unique flavor.
- Add some grilled chicken or salmon to the salad for extra protein and flavor.
- Use a different type of greens, such as arugula or spinach, for a unique flavor and texture.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or cilantro, for extra flavor and aroma.
What to Serve With Frisee Salad
This frisee salad is perfect as a side dish or main course, and it's great for any occasion. You can serve it with a variety of dishes, such as grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or soups. It's also a great addition to a buffet or potluck, as it's easy to make in large quantities and can be served at room temperature.
Some other ideas for serving this salad include:
Grilled chicken or salmon: Add some grilled chicken or salmon to the salad for extra protein and flavor.
Roasted vegetables: Serve the salad with a variety of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.
Soups: Serve the salad with a bowl of soup, such as creamy tomato or butternut squash.
Buffet or potluck: Make the salad in large quantities and serve it at a buffet or potluck.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
To store the salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply prepare the salad up to the point where you add the vinaigrette, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
To freeze the salad, prepare it up to the point where you add the vinaigrette, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave the salad in the refrigerator overnight, then toss it with a little more vinaigrette and serve.
To reheat the salad, simply toss it with a little more vinaigrette and serve. You can also add some extra ingredients, such as chopped nuts or seeds, to give the salad a fresh and crunchy texture.
Some other tips for storing and reheating the salad include:
Keep the salad in a cool, dry place to prevent it from spoiling or becoming soggy.
Use a high-quality container or bag to store the salad, as this will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from becoming contaminated.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored.
Reheat the salad gently, as excessive heat can cause it to become soggy or unappetizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is frisee and where can I find it?
Frisee is a type of endive that's slightly bitter and crunchy. You can find it at most grocery stores, or substitute with other types of endive or lettuce if needed.
How do I make the vinaigrette?
To make the vinaigrette, simply whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply prepare the salad up to the point where you add the vinaigrette, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
How do I store the salad?
To store the salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Can I freeze the salad?
Yes, you can freeze the salad for up to 2 months. Simply prepare the salad up to the point where you add the vinaigrette, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer.
How do I reheat the salad?
To reheat the salad, simply toss it with a little more vinaigrette and serve. You can also add some extra ingredients, such as chopped nuts or seeds, to give the salad a fresh and crunchy texture.
What are some variations I can try?
Some variations you can try include adding diced apples or dried cranberries, using a different type of cheese, or adding some chopped nuts or seeds. You can also use a different type of vinegar or add some grilled chicken or salmon to the salad.
Can I serve the salad at a buffet or potluck?
Yes, the salad is perfect for a buffet or potluck. Simply make it in large quantities and serve it at room temperature.

Ingredients
- 4 cups frisee, chopped
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shaved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Chop the frisee into small pieces and place it in a large bowl.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crispy, then chop it into small pieces and add it to the bowl with the frisee.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the frisee and bacon.
- Shave the parmesan cheese and add it to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until the vinaigrette is smooth and emulsified.
- Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste, then pour it over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chop the fresh parsley and chives, then sprinkle them over the top of the salad.
- Toss the salad again to combine, then serve immediately.
- To make ahead, prepare the salad up to a day in advance, but don't dress it until just before serving.
- To store, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply toss the salad with a little more vinaigrette and serve.