Insalata Recipe

Prepare greens

Wash the bitter greens thoroughly in cold water to remove grit. Spin or pat dry, then tear larger leaves into bite-size pieces. Place in a large salad bowl and chill briefly if desired.

Segment the orange

Using a sharp knife, cut off the top and bottom of the orange. Stand the orange on one flat end and slice away the peel and pith, following the curve. Working over a bowl to catch juices, cut between the membranes to release clean orange segments (supremes). Reserve any juice in the bowl for the vinaigrette.

Slice fennel and onion

Trim the fennel bulb, remove core if very fibrous, and slice very thinly (use a mandoline if available). Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons. If onion is sharp, rinse slices under cold water and drain. Add fennel and onion to the bowl with the greens.

Add nuts and cheese

Add the toasted chopped walnuts or hazelnuts and the crumbled ricotta salata or feta (if using) to the salad bowl.

Combine the reserved orange juice with the measured 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a small bowl or jar.

Add white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper and orange zest to the citrus juices. Whisk until combined.

Slowly drizzle in the 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil while whisking constantly (or add all ingredients to a jar, secure lid and shake vigorously) until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning: more salt, a touch more honey for sweetness, or another splash of vinegar if too sweet.

Lightly dress the salad: Pour about two-thirds of the vinaigrette over the greens, fennel, onion, nuts and cheese. Toss gently with tongs to evenly coat. Add more vinaigrette as needed — you want the leaves glossy but not soggy.

Arrange the reserved orange segments on top of the dressed salad. Drizzle the optional 1 teaspoon finishing olive oil over the segments for extra sheen.

Finish with a pinch of coarse sea salt or flaky salt over the oranges and a grind of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately.