Tapas Salad: Apple & Manchego


Recently, at a Spanish tapas restaurant, the waitress recommended the simple apple w/ Manchego salad.
I really had no interest, but she insisted that it was her personal favorite.

Well, it is now our favorite too.
How could something so simple, be so good?

It's like spaghetti & meatballs, they just go together nicely.

I searched a lot of Spanish websites and they were pretty much all straight forward, using the same ingredients.


Apple variety of your choice (a red skin would give it a nicer color than my green Granny Smith), and some good aged Manchego, a Spanish sheep's milk cheese.

Spring chives and some lemon and salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
Done.

To be fancy, and add some sweetness, I added some sliced Medjool dates to bring to the party, and this was as good as the restaurant's version.

I'll be eating this for lunch the next few days.

Apple & Manchego Salad (serves 4)

2 large apples of your choice, cut into matchsticks (leave the peel on)
4 oz. of good Manchego cheese (do not substitute the cheese), cut into matchsticks
handful of fresh snipped chives
fresh lemon juice
1 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp olive oil
4 Medjool dates, sliced

Slice the apples into thin matchsticks. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the apples in a bowl, so they don't discolor.

Slice the cheese into the same size as the apples.


Add the chives and sprinkle with kosher salt. Drizzle w/ olive oil and toss lightly.

It's just that easy.


This salad is addictive.

Loved!

Comments

Anonymous said…
I love this salad - simple yet elegant, and good for you too. I too had this salad already in a restaurant - when I ate it, the restaurant added marcona almonds which also added a zing. I like your addition of dates.
Anonymous said…
Your latest recipes are especially sophisticated and elegant. As is your beautiful new Blogger About Me portrait photo, Ms. Snacks!
Debby in Seattle said…
Yummy.... will be heading south to wine country in the motorhome in 2 weeks. Perfect for the road trip and as always... you're insights will be traveling with us. Debby in Seattle
Mmmmmm -- that does look good.
Joanne said…
I happen to have a block of manchego in my fridge right now! I totally want this salad for lunch tomorrow!
Joan Nova said…
I like the addition of a sweet element. Dates probably would have been my choice too because they go very well with manchego -- or just a drizzle of honey which balances out the lemon juice. Either way, it's a salad I love too!
Dana said…
I'm intrigued. Manchego is one of the few cheese that I go crazy for (I'm not really a cheese person) and, being a Washington gal, I sure do love apples. Will have to try this.
Patsyk said…
That is my kind of salad!
oooh, this sounds really good Stace, love the combination!
Oui Chef said…
I'm a huge fan of both apples and manchego, and have always loved apples and cheddar, so I'm sure this would be a hit on the home front.