Judy's Special Exotic Greens Salad

Also know as... Insalata Tre Colori with Raspberries

Serves 4

For all ingredients, please consider using those that are grown organically.

 
10 ounces wild arugula also called roquette or rocket
1 large head radicchio, cored and thinly sliced
4 bulbs Belgian endive, thinly sliced
1 1/2 pints fresh raspberries and half a pint for snacking while you make the salad
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar--mom used raspberry vinegar
  sea salt
  freshly ground black pepper
 

 

If you like cheese in your salads, this would be lovely with a creamy blue veined cheese such as a mild gorgonzola or cambozola or a dry crumbly cheese such as ricotta salata, but I prefer it without as it is already so fresh and vibrant in flavor and color that I don't like to mess with a good thing.
   

Combine the prepared lettuces into a large bowl. Use your hands to toss the mixture, and top with the raspberries and almonds.

When you are ready to serve, drizzle the olive oil and vinegar of your choosing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

My mother always made this salad with raspberry vinegar and it was delicious, sweet, and tangy. She did not have access to aged balsamic vinegar when she created this salad and it adds an additional layer of depth, but either way you cannot go wrong.