Manchego salad – even saying its name evokes images of sunny Spanish courtyards and vibrant flavors. This salad is a true celebration of simplicity and fresh ingredients, showcasing the unique taste of Manchego cheese. If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion, this recipe is for you.

Table of Contents

Crafting Your Own Manchego Salad Masterpiece

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful salad (adjust quantities as needed):

5 oz Manchego cheese, thinly sliced
1 cup mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or your favorites)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup Marcona almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

A Note on Ingredients:

Manchego Cheese: The star of the show! Look for a semi-cured Manchego for a balanced flavor.
Marcona Almonds: These Spanish almonds have a delicate sweetness that complements the cheese beautifully. If unavailable, substitute with sliced almonds.

Equip Your Kitchen

Salad bowl
Small mixing bowl
Whisk

Let’s Get Started: Assembling Your Manchego Salad

Prepare the dressing: In your small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sherry vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Toast the almonds: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the almonds for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Keep a watchful eye to prevent burning.
Combine the salad components: In your salad bowl, toss the mixed greens with the cherry tomatoes and toasted almonds.
Drizzle and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Arrange the Manchego cheese slices over the salad and serve immediately.

Tips for Salad Success:

Dressing Timing: Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
Manchego Variations: Experiment with different Manchego aging times – younger cheeses are milder, while aged varieties offer a sharper bite.
Get Creative: Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch! Consider incorporating other Spanish-inspired ingredients like roasted red peppers, chorizo crumbles, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Presentation Matters: Show off Your Salad Skills

Rustic Charm: Arrange the salad on a large platter, creating small mounds of greens and topping them with cheese and almonds.
Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, serve the salad in chilled bowls, layering the ingredients for visual appeal.

Article by Family Cuisine

We are the food lovers, the taste testers, the kitchen experimenters who make up the familycuisine.net team. We're chefs, home cooks, and culinary enthusiasts who have come together to share our passion for food with you. With the help of AI, we're able to bring you the most delicious, reliable, and exciting content from around the world.