Fresh Apple and Manchego Salad
This vibrant Fresh Apple and Manchego Salad brings together the crispness of Granny Smith apples and the rich, nutty flavor of Manchego cheese, creating a delightful contrast that's perfect for any occasion. Inspired by traditional Spanish flavors, this salad is elevated by the addition of toasted walnuts and a zesty vinaigrette made with high-quality Spanish extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Ideal as a refreshing appetizer or a light lunch, this dish captures the spirit of Spanish cuisine while highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients. Serve it chilled, garnished with tangy lemon wedges for a burst of brightness that enhances the salad's flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granny Smith apple
1 (peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Manchego cheese
6 ounces (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Chopped fresh chives
1/2 tablespoon (fresh, not dried!)
Chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (toasted)
Spanish extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (good quality!!)
Apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons
Salt
to taste
Cracked black pepper
to taste
Romaine lettuce
about 3 cups (washed and torn)
Lemon wedges
4
Instructions
1
Begin by toasting the walnuts in a dry cast iron skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until they are lightly toasted and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar until well combined. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Set the vinaigrette aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and cubed Granny Smith apples, the cubed Manchego cheese, chopped fresh chives, and the cooled toasted walnuts. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the apples or cheese.
4
On four individual salad plates, arrange a bed of romaine lettuce, roughly 3 cups total, dividing it evenly among the plates.
5
Spoon the apple and cheese mixture evenly onto each plate of romaine. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over each serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
Finish with a lemon wedge on the side of each plate, providing a fresh squeeze of citrus for extra brightness. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fresh Apple and Manchego Salad?
It is a vibrant salad that combines crisp Granny Smith apples with nutty Manchego cheese, toasted walnuts, and a zesty vinaigrette.
Which apple variety should I use?
The recipe calls for Granny Smith apples for their crispness and tart flavor.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
This salad uses 6 ounces of Manchego cheese.
How do I cut the Manchego cheese?
The Manchego cheese should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes to match the size of the apples.
What type of nuts are included?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
How do you toast the walnuts?
Toast them in a dry cast iron skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until aromatic.
Should the walnuts be cooled before adding to the salad?
Yes, they should be transferred to a plate to cool completely after toasting.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The vinaigrette consists of Spanish extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and cracked black pepper.
Can I use dried chives instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies using fresh chopped chives rather than dried.
What is the base of the salad?
The salad is served on a bed of roughly 3 cups of washed and torn romaine lettuce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe instructions indicate it is intended for four individual salad plates.
Is this a Spanish-inspired dish?
Yes, it is inspired by traditional Spanish flavors and uses Spanish extra virgin olive oil.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
High-quality Spanish extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
What provides the citrus brightness to the salad?
Fresh lemon wedges are served on the side for a squeeze of citrus brightness.
How do I prevent the ingredients from mashing?
Gently toss the apples, cheese, chives, and walnuts in a large mixing bowl to keep them intact.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
Is any cooking required for this recipe?
The only cooking involved is toasting the walnuts in a skillet.
How should the salad be served?
It should be served chilled, with the apple and cheese mixture spooned over romaine lettuce and drizzled with vinaigrette.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and a light meal.
What is the texture of this salad?
The salad is described as crisp and nutty with a refreshing finish.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, it is ideal as a refreshing appetizer or a light lunch.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of Spanish extra virgin olive oil.
What size should the apples be cut?
The apples should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
When should the vinaigrette be added?
Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over each serving just before serving.
How many lemon wedges are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 lemon wedges, one for each plate.
What is the preparation for the romaine lettuce?
The romaine lettuce should be washed and torn.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
Can this salad be a tapas dish?
Yes, it is tagged as suitable for tapas.
How long does it take to prepare the walnuts?
Toasting the walnuts takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes.