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–+ servings
Insalata di nervetti recipe.

Insalata di Nervetti

Mari Avalos
Insalata di nervetti is a classic Italian salad made with tender veal or beef cartilage, red onion, pickled peppers, fresh parsley, and a bright mix of vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil. It’s tangy, refreshing, and full of texture. Perfect served as an antipasto or light starter.
4 servings
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Prep 15 minutes
Total 15 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb cooked nervetti (read note 1)
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 1 cup pickled bell peppers
  • 1 bunch parsley
  • ⅓ cup cider vinegar
  • 1 lemon
  • 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ tsp peperoncino powder (optional)
  • salt (to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Cut the nervetti into small, bite-sized pieces—about 2 inches each—so they’re easy to eat. Place them in a large bowl.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of peperoncino powder. Drizzle in the olive oil, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, and pour in the vinegar. Mix everything well to coat.
  • Thinly slice the onion and toss it in.
  • Drain the pickled peppers and cut them into similar-sized pieces, then add them to the bowl too.
  • Chop the parsley and throw it in. Season with salt to taste.
  • Give everything a good mix for about a minute. Taste and adjust the salt, vinegar, lemon, or oil if you feel like it needs a little something.
  • You can serve it right away or pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.

Tips & Notes

  1. If you're starting from raw beef shank or foot, simmer it in water with salt for about 3 hours, until the meat and cartilage are tender and jiggly. Let it cool completely before slicing.
  2. This salad gets better after a few hours in the fridge, perfect for making ahead.
  3. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
  4. Feel free to tweak the oil, vinegar, or lemon to suit your taste.
  5. A pinch of peperoncino adds a nice kick, but it’s totally optional.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 23gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 818mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1463IUVitamin C: 53mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 6mg