Bitter Herbs Salad

Bitter Herbs Salad
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
15 minutes
Rating
5(193)
Notes
Read community notes

Bitter herbs – the maror – are part of the Seder ritual, symbolizing the bitterness of slavery experienced by the Jews in Egypt. Endive, romaine and chicory (for which I’ve substituted radicchio) are present on many Sephardic ritual platters, but often they also appear in salads served with the meal. This can be served as a separate course or as a side dish.

Featured in: Sephardic Dishes for the Passover Table

Learn: How to Make Salad

Learn: Basic Knife Skills

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Ingredients

Yield:6 servings
  • 2hearts of romaine lettuce
  • 1small head radicchio
  • 2Belgian endives
  • cups arugula or watercress, washed and dried
  • 1rib celery, preferably from the heart, sliced very thin
  • 2scallions, chopped (optional)
  • ¼cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • ¼cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
  • 1small garlic clove
  • Salt to taste
  • 3tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½cup extra virgin olive oil
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

187 calories; 18 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 13 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 6 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 2 grams protein; 377 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Wash and dry the romaine lettuce leaves and break into medium pieces. Separate the radicchio leaves and cut into medium pieces. Rinse and dry the endives and slice crosswise about ¾ inch thick. Toss together all of the greens, the celery and the scallions in a large salad bowl and sprinkle the herbs over the top.

  2. Step 2

    Skin the garlic clove, cut in half and remove green shoots. Place in a mortar and pestle with a generous pinch of salt and mash to a paste. Work in the lemon juice and then the olive oil. Taste and adjust salt. Transfer to a jar until ready to serve the salad.

  3. Step 3

    Just before serving, shake the dressing in the jar, pour over the salad and toss.

Tips
  • Advance preparation: The greens can be prepared, wrapped in a clean kitchen towel and then sealed in plastic bags and refrigerated, several hours ahead.
  • Most of the calories come from the dressing; you can use less to reduce them.

Ratings

5 out of 5
193 user ratings
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Perfect salad for Passover, but would be great any time. I found goat cheese to be a nice addition to help round out the flavors.

Great salad for Passover because of the symbolism, but ALSO a really tasty (and quite unique!) salad for any meal!

I have made this salad time and again on many occasions, separate from Passover. It's my daughter-in-law's favorite salad. It's bright and savory and fresh!

This was really delicious, served for Passover, enjoyed by all.

Excellent. Was an original and light side side and a crowd pleaser.

I love this salad! I've made it multiple times, always a hit. Simple, fresh and delicious!

I love this salad and have made it many times beyond Passover.

I love this salad and have made it many times. Perfect as is!

As others stated this is a really delicious salad, but I had to add absolutely use the mint. I questioned it myself but it really adds a subtle dimension and boosts the other herbs.

I have made this salad time and again on many occasions, separate from Passover. It's my daughter-in-law's favorite salad. It's bright and savory and fresh!

Great salad for Passover because of the symbolism, but ALSO a really tasty (and quite unique!) salad for any meal!

Perfect salad for Passover, but would be great any time. I found goat cheese to be a nice addition to help round out the flavors.

great salad for Passover!

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