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Colorful, crunchy and full of bold flavor, this radicchio endive chicken salad is anything but boring. A mix of grilled chicken, bitter greens and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a satisfying dish that works just as well for lunch as it does for dinner. The punchy dressing ties everything together while fresh basil, parmesan and juicy tomatoes add extra depth. This is the kind of salad that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy to throw together at home with minimal prep.

Wooden bowl of simple radicchio salad with lettuce, tomatoes, croutons, and cheese on a wooden table, served with a fork and napkin.

This colorful radicchio endive chicken salad combines bold bitter greens, succulent grilled chicken and a zesty mustard dressing for a colorful and satisfying meal.

Love chicken salad recipes? Also try Chinese chicken salad, this rotisserie chicken salad sandwiches, Asian chicken salad, or grilled BBQ chicken salad.

A wooden bowl of summer BBQ chicken salad with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese sits on a rustic table, perfect with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing.

Why You’ll Love It

Big flavor: The homemade dressing and greens make this salad anything but bland.
Protein-packed: Grilled chicken adds hearty, satisfying protein.
Fresh and colorful: Basil, cherry tomatoes and shaved parmesan bring bright flavor and texture.
Perfect for meal prep: Enjoy it fresh or pack it for a weekday lunch.

Wooden bowls of summer BBQ chicken salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, croutons, and shaved parmesan on a table.

Radicchio and Endive Chicken Salad Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Chicken breasts: Lean, boneless and grilled for juicy flavor.
Spices: Black pepper, onion powder and paprika season the chicken simply but effectively.
Radicchio: A bold, slightly bitter green that adds color and crunch.
Endive: Mildly bitter and crisp, perfect for balance.
Romaine lettuce: Adds bulk and a classic crunch.
Fresh herbs: Basil adds brightness and aroma.
Parmesan: Shaved cheese adds salty richness.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they balance the greens.
Whole grain mustard: Provides texture and bold flavor in the dressing.
Lemon juice: Adds tang and freshness.
Olive oil: Blends the dressing and adds richness.
Mayonnaise: Gives the dressing a creamy base.
Yellow mustard: Layers in more mustard flavor.
Honey: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
Garlic: Adds sharp, savory depth.
Shallot: Offers a subtle onion flavor.
Red wine vinegar: Brightens the dressing and brings everything together.

Raw chicken breasts and various fresh salad ingredients, including endive and radicchio for a simple radicchio salad, are arranged on a wooden table—perfect for crafting a vibrant summer BBQ chicken salad.

How to Make Chicken Salad with Bitter Greens

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Grill the chicken: Pound and season the chicken, then grill on both sides until cooked. Let rest and cut into pieces.
Prep the greens: Wash and chop the radicchio, endive and romaine.
Toss the salad: Combine the greens with basil, parmesan, tomatoes and grilled chicken.
Make the dressing: Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth.
Dress and serve: Toss with half the dressing and serve the rest on the side.

Two wooden bowls of grilled chicken Caesar salad with cherry tomatoes and shaved parmesan, reminiscent of a summer BBQ chicken salad, sit on a wooden table.

Substitutions and Variations

Swap the greens: Use arugula or spinach if you prefer milder flavors.
Use tofu or shrimp: For a vegetarian or pescatarian version.
Add nuts: Toasted almonds or walnuts add extra crunch and richness. For a crunch plus a hit of sweetness, you could add candied pecans!

A close-up of a forkful of salad with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese in a wooden bowl, topped with creamy honey mustard dressing.

Serving Suggestions

As a main dish: Pair it with homemade Irish soda bread, rosemary crackers or mushroom focaccia for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
As a side dish: Enjoy this salad alongside an Italian steak or smoked tomahawk.

A wooden bowl of summer BBQ chicken salad with lettuce, grape tomatoes, croutons, and a fork on a wooden table.

How to Store Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Store: The salad is best served fresh but you can keep leftovers for a day or so in the refrigerator. Keep the salad and the dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
Freeze: This recipe isn’t suitable for freezing.

A salad made with radicchio and endive, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, mixed greens, and shaved parmesan, all tossed together in a wooden bowl. Perfectly paired with a creamy honey mustard dressing.

Top Tips

Grill the chicken in advance: Save time by prepping protein ahead.
Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
Toss gently: The delicate greens can bruise if overmixed.

Wooden bowl with summer BBQ chicken salad, cherry tomatoes, mixed greens, and shaved parmesan cheese on a wooden table.

Summer Chicken and Radicchio Salad FAQs

Can I make the creamy honey mustard dressing in advance?

Yes, the dressing keeps well in the fridge for a few days.

Is this salad spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes to the dressing if you like heat.

Do I need a food processor for the dressing?

A blender works just as well, or whisk it by hand for a chunkier texture (if you use a whisk, mince the garlic first).

Wooden bowl of summer BBQ chicken salad Caesar-style with cherry tomatoes, lettuce, shaved parmesan, and a hint of radicchio and endive on a wooden table.

Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad Recipe

A wooden bowl of summer BBQ chicken salad with cherry tomatoes, croutons, and greens sits on a wooden table with a black fork.
Print
5 from 7 votes

Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

By: Bella Bucchiotti
This radicchio endive chicken salad is bright, hearty and full of texture. With grilled chicken, bold greens and a punchy homemade dressing, it’s fresh and satisfying. Serve it as a main dish or alongside a light side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • ½ Teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ Teaspoon ground paprika
  • 3 Heads radicchio
  • 3 Heads endive
  • 1 Hearts romaine lettuce
  • 1 Cup basil leaves, fresh
  • ½ Cup parmesan, shaved
  • 1 Cup cherry tomatoes

For the Dressing 

Instructions 

  • Pound chicken until ½-inch thick. Season both sides of chicken breast with black pepper, onion powder and paprika.
  • Heat a cast iron grill pan over high heat for 5 minutes.
  • Add the chicken and grill 4 minutes per side. Place onto a wooden cutting board and cut into bite sized pieces.
  • Wash produce. Cut radicchio and endives into quarters. Cut romaine hearts in half, then into quarters.
  • Combine radicchio, endives, romaine, tomatoes, basil, and parmesan in a large bowl with grilled chicken and gently toss.  
  • Add all dressing ingredients to a food processor or blender and puree for 15 seconds.
  • Pour ½ of the dressing onto the salad and toss to coat. Serve remaining dressing on the side.

Notes

Grill the chicken in advance: Save time by prepping protein ahead.
Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
Toss gently: The delicate greens can bruise if overmixed.

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 484mg | Potassium: 1584mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5384IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 283mg | Iron: 4mg
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Raw chicken breasts and various fresh salad ingredients, including endive and radicchio for a simple radicchio salad, are arranged on a wooden table—perfect for crafting a vibrant summer BBQ chicken salad.
Two raw chicken breasts rest on a round wooden board with a meat mallet, seasonings, and another breast nearby—perfect for preparing a summer BBQ chicken salad or a simple radicchio salad.
A hand holds a small bowl of spices above raw chicken breasts on a wooden cutting board, prepping flavorful chicken for a summer BBQ chicken salad.
Two raw, seasoned chicken breasts on a wooden board, ready to be cooked for a Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad, with a meat mallet and glass of water nearby.
Chopped lettuce and radicchio in bowls on a wooden table with a knife and fresh vegetables nearby—perfect for making a simple radicchio salad.
Two grilled chicken breasts in a cast iron grill pan, surrounded by bowls of fresh chopped vegetables and herbs—perfect for creating a vibrant Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad at your next summer BBQ.
A bowl of chopped grilled chicken sits among bowls of greens and vegetables, ready to create a summer BBQ chicken salad with radicchio, endive, and a drizzle of creamy honey mustard dressing on a wooden table.
Glass bowl of Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing surrounded by lettuce, radicchio, tomatoes, and artichoke—perfect for a simple radicchio salad or to pair with your summer BBQ chicken salad on a wooden table.
Wooden bowl of mixed salad greens, perfect for a simple radicchio salad, surrounded by small bowls of cherry tomatoes, chicken, cheese, herbs, and a Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing.

Radicchio endive chicken salad is the kind of meal that feels elevated but comes together with everyday ingredients. The grilled chicken brings hearty flavor, while the combination of radicchio, endive and romaine keeps things crisp and fresh. The mustard-based dressing on this summer BBQ chicken salad adds zing without overpowering the other flavors in the dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a weekend lunch, this endive radicchio salad is a delicious and satisfying choice.

Other Recipes to Try

Wooden bowl of summer BBQ chicken salad with radicchio, endive, cherry tomatoes, and croutons, served with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing; fork on the side.
Wooden bowl filled with a Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad—grilled chicken, tomatoes, parmesan, radicchio, and endive—with croutons and dressing on the side. Perfect for a summer BBQ chicken salad spread.
Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 7 votes (2 ratings without comment)

7 Comments

  1. Oh my god!!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! We absolutely loved it.. We used fresh radicchio salad from garden❤️❤️❤️

    Reply