When it comes to creating a salad that’s both refreshing and full of character, the Manchego Cheese and Apple Salad is an excellent choice. This dish brings together the rich, nutty flavor of Manchego cheese with the crisp sweetness of apples, enhanced by the crunch of Marcona almonds and the freshness of crisp lettuce. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is not only a visual delight but also a celebration of contrasting textures and flavors.
Ingredients of This Apple Manchego Salad
To make this delicious salad, you will need the following ingredients:
Manchego cheese: 150 grams, finely sliced or shaved
Deliart Marcona almonds: 50 grams, lightly toasted
Lettuce: A mix of your favorite varieties, about 200 grams
Apples: 2 medium-sized, preferably a variety that is crisp and slightly tart
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, for the best flavor
Vinegar: 1 tablespoon, preferably sherry vinegar to complement the Manchego cheese
Salt and pepper: To taste
How to Prepare the Manchego Cheese Salad
Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing and drying the lettuce thoroughly. Once dry, tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
Slice the apples: Core the apples and slice them thinly. You can leave the skin on for added texture and color. Put the apple slices to the salad bowl.
Add the Manchego cheese: Shave or slice the Manchego cheese into thin pieces and scatter them over the lettuce and apples.
Add the Marcona Almonds: Distribute the Marcona almonds over the manchego cheese, apples and lettuce to add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
Dress the salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Serve immediately: Transfer the salad to individual plates or a serving platter, making sure to evenly distribute the cheese, apples, and almonds.
Tips for an Apple Manchego Salad Recipe
Apple variety: While any crisp apple will work, consider using a combination of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, to add depth of flavor.
Cheese options: Manchego cheese is the star of this salad, but if you want to mix things up, you could try adding a bit of crumbled Cabrales cheese or a sharp Mahon for a different flavor profile.
Nutty variations: If Marcona almonds are not available, you can substitute them with regular almonds, walnuts, or even pecans, but be sure to toast them for added flavor.
Vinegar choice: Sherry vinegar pairs beautifully with the nutty flavors of Manchego cheese, but apple cider vinegar or a light balsamic vinegar could also be used for a different twist.
Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, you can arrange the apple slices in a fan pattern around the plate and place the lettuce, cheese, and almonds in the center.
Reasons to Love This Salad
This Manchego Cheese and Apple Salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The nutty richness of Manchego cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart apples, while the Marcona almonds add a satisfying crunch. The olive oil and sherry vinegar dressing brings all the elements together without overpowering the ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a larger meal, or an elegant starter for a dinner party, this salad fits the bill. Its simplicity is part of its charm, allowing each ingredient to shine while offering a refreshing and satisfying experience. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you still want to enjoy something delicious and wholesome.
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