Serves 4
Maple Walnut Vinaigrette:
1 tbsp orange zest
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tbsp walnut oil
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
Salt and cracked black pepper
Roasted Fennel, Pear and Radicchio Salad:
2 fennel bulbs, cored and sliced crosswise ½ inch thick (chop and reserve fronds for garnish)
2 tsp finely chopped jarred red peperoncini piccanti
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and cracked black pepper
2 Bartlett pears, quartered, cored and thinly sliced
1 small head radicchio, leaves separated
Garnishes:
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
2 tbsp grated aged Gouda
Make the maple walnut vinaigrette: In a blender, combine the orange zest, orange juice, lemon zest, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, maple syrup and mustard and blend until smooth. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and walnut oil and blend until emulsified. Add the walnuts and pulse until finely chopped. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Make the roasted fennel, pear and radicchio salad: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, toss together the fennel, pepperoncini, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Spread out evenly on the lined baking sheet and roast until the fennel is fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes. (Wipe the bowl and set it aside.) Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
In the same large bowl, combine the pears, radicchio and reserved fennel fronds. Toss with the maple walnut vinaigrette to coat.
Arrange the dressed radicchio leaves on a serving platter, then top with the roasted fennel and the pears. Garnish with the toasted walnuts and cheese.