Xanthan Gum Free Basil-Pesto Endive Salad

Bright, bitter endive leaves act as natural little scoops here, cradling a vivid homemade basil pesto that comes together in under a minute in the food processor. The pesto is built entirely from whole, recognizable ingredients — fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt — so there's no need to scan a label for hidden additives or stabilizers. That matters more than it sounds, because many store-bought pestos and salad dressings quietly rely on thickeners that people avoiding xanthan gum have to watch out for. Thinly sliced radishes and flat-leaf parsley add crunch and a peppery freshness, while a hit of lemon zest ties everything together with a little brightness. The finished platter looks genuinely impressive — the kind of thing you'd order at a restaurant and then be surprised to learn took almost no effort. It works beautifully as a starter, a light lunch, or a stunning side alongside grilled proteins.

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