Spanish Stuffed Endives
Bright and flavorful Spanish Stuffed Endives filled with creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, smoked salmon, and topped with tangy blue cheese. Quick to prepare, protein-rich, and low in carbs, this healthy appetizer or side dish is perfect for easy weeknight meals or entertaining guests.
Equipment
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 serving platter or plate
Ingredients
- ½ medium onion finely chopped
- 2 ripe avocados diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered (about 15 tomatoes)
- 8 ounces smoked salmon diced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 –4 endives or substitute with iceberg lettuce
- 6 ounces blue cheese crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your fresh ingredients on a clean surface. Peel and finely chop half of a medium onion, making sure the pieces are small enough to mix well but still provide texture. Dice the ripe avocados into uniform cubes to ensure each bite has creamy consistency. Quarter about 15 cherry tomatoes, keeping them small enough to nestle comfortably into the endive leaves. Dice the smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces so it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Mix the Filling Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, diced avocado, quartered cherry tomatoes, and smoked salmon. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, followed by 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold the ingredients together. Take care not to mash the avocado; you want a light, chunky mixture that retains its individual textures.
- Prepare the Endive Leaves: Wash 3–4 endives thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt trapped between the leaves. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Carefully separate the leaves from the core, selecting only the outer leaves that are firm and wide enough to hold the filling. If using iceberg lettuce as a substitute, carefully peel away individual leaves, choosing ones that are sturdy enough to serve as a natural “boat.”
- Assemble the Endive Boats: Lay the prepared endive leaves on a serving platter, ensuring they are stable and won’t tip over. Using a spoon, carefully scoop a generous amount of the avocado and salmon mixture into each leaf. Press slightly so the filling sits snugly in the leaf without spilling over. Repeat for all remaining leaves, distributing the mixture evenly so every bite is balanced.
- Add the Blue Cheese Topping: Take 6 ounces of blue cheese and crumble it evenly over each filled endive leaf. Ensure that each leaf gets a little of the tangy, creamy cheese for maximum flavor contrast. The blue cheese adds a rich, savory note that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the smoky depth of the salmon.
- Final Touch and Serve: Check each endive boat for seasoning, adding extra salt or pepper if needed. Arrange them neatly on the serving platter, making them visually appealing. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy textures and fresh flavors at their best. This dish is perfect as a light appetizer, a side for a main meal, or even as an elegant snack for entertaining guests.
Notes
- Use ripe, firm avocados for creamy texture without becoming mushy.
- Crumble blue cheese just before serving to preserve its flavor and freshness.
- Adjust salt and pepper gradually to balance the smoked salmon, avocado, and tomatoes.
- Fresh endive leaves provide better crispness and flavor than pre-packaged leaves.
- Gently fold the filling to keep avocado chunks intact and visually appealing.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast cherry tomatoes before mixing.
- This recipe is naturally low-carb, high-protein, and fiber-rich, making it meal-prep friendly.
- Serve immediately for best texture; avoid assembling too far in advance to prevent soggy leaves.
- Optional: add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color and aromatic enhancement.
- Perfect for appetizers, side dishes, or healthy, elegant snacks.
