Red radicchio adds color, flavor to slaw

(Family Features) - Coleslaw, from the Dutch koolsla or cabbage salad, is delicious and refreshing in any culinary tradition. Radicchio, with its fresh, assertive bite and brilliant ruby color, gives slaw a stylish look and fresh flavor. The bitter flavor of radicchio pairs well with other strong flavors featured in slaw.

Consider the variety of slaw combinations you can create:

• Toss radicchio with shredded Napa cabbage, green onions, chopped almonds, mandarin orange segments and a sweet-sour vinaigrette with a touch of mustard.
• Shred radicchio, toss with some chopped green cabbage, diced mango, minced jalapeno, sliced red onion and a fresh lime juice vinaigrette with a drizzle of honey and pinch of chili powder.
• Chop a tart-crisp apple; toss with shredded radicchio, raisins and pecans; dress with a creamy buttermilk dressing.
• Coarsely shred radicchio and carrots; toss with a vinaigrette spiked with a bit of sesame oil and hoisin sauce. Garnish with sliced green onion, fried wonton pieces and toasted sesame seed.
• Thinly slice sweet onion, add chopped radicchio and sliced navel oranges; toss together with cider vinegar dressing seasoned with a bit of chili powder.
• Coarsely shred radicchio; toss with a red wine vinaigrette, drizzle with a bit of honey and top with crumbled goat cheese and toasted pine nuts.
• Gently combine shredded radicchio and green cabbage, chopped dates, sliced oranges and toasted almonds; dress with a walnut oil and lemon juice vinaigrette. Top with a little crumbled bacon.
• Toss finely chopped radicchio with baby spinach leaves, thinly sliced red onion and chopped toasted hazelnuts; dress with sweet-sour vinaigrette, crumbled bacon and celery seed.

Royal Rose radicchio provides a big, firm head with dark leaves, bright white ribs and a fresh texture. It's fresher because it's grown domestically, and its journey from field to market - and then to your table - is much shorter.

Consumers can find fresh Royal Rose radicchio year-round because EVS Farms grows it in several locations across the U.S., including Florida, Southern California, Arizona and "America's Salad Bowl" Salinas, Calif.

This stylish slaw provides a bold color and flavor complement for a simple ham sandwich.

Fruited Slaw with Radicchio and Classic Poppy Seed Dressing
Makes: 6 to 8 servings

1 head radicchio, cored and coarsely chopped or shredded (6-8 cups)
3 cups shredded green cabbage with carrot
2 cups seedless green grapes, halved
1 11-ounce can mandarin orange segments, drained
4 tablespoons toasted pecan halves
Dressing
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon poppy seed
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Place radicchio, cabbage, grapes and oranges in large bowl. In small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients, until sugar is dissolved. Pour dressing over vegetables; toss well. Place slaw in serving bowl and garnish with pecans. If not served immediately, cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.

Shortcut tip: Substitute bottled poppy seed dressing for homemade dressing.

SOURCE: Royal Rose Radicchio