Hazelnut Free Basil-Pesto Endive Salad

Total time15 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time0 min

4.9

(29)

Bright, bitter endive leaves make the perfect edible scoop for a vivid homemade pesto that comes together in minutes. The pesto here skips the traditional pine nut or nut base entirely — it's built on fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and good olive oil, so every drop is completely tree-nut free without any compromise on flavor. That brilliant green sauce gets spooned right onto individual endive leaves, turning each one into a little self-contained bite that's equal parts elegant and effortless. Thinly sliced radishes add a satisfying crunch and a pop of color, while fresh parsley and lemon zest keep the whole thing tasting lively and clean. A final pinch of flaky sea salt ties it all together in the best possible way. This is the kind of dish that looks like you spent way more time on it than you actually did — perfect for a dinner party spread or a light lunch when you want something fresh and a little unexpected.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

4 servings

For the pesto

2 oz fresh basil leaves (about 2 packed cups)
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp fine sea salt

For the salad

3 medium heads belgian endive (about 12 oz total)
4 radishes, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 tsp lemon zest
flaky sea salt, to taste

Instructions

1
Combine the basil leaves, garlic, lemon juice, and fine sea salt in a food processor. Pulse 6–8 times until the basil is roughly chopped and the garlic is minced.
2
With the processor running, stream in the olive oil in a slow, steady pour until the pesto is smooth and bright green, about 20–30 seconds. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!