Manchego, Membrillo, and Almonds Dressed Watercress Salad
Ready to dive into a Spanish culinary adventure? This unforgettable watercress salad is a celebration of the flavors that make Spanish food so enchanting. Pair it with some mouthwatering Poblano Peppers for a symphony of taste.
What's on the Menu? Track down membrillo, a.k.a quince paste, in gourmet stores or Latin markets. Don't forget, Manchego is an aged sheep's-milk cheese hailing from Spain; you can find it at gourmet stores or conveniently online at La Tienda.
This salad was featured in our Father's Day Grilled Paella Party.
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: A breeze
- Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients (8)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 bunches watercress, stems removed and leaves washed
- 1/2 cup toasted almond slivers
- 4 ounces Manchego cheese, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces diced membrillo
Preparation
- In a medium-sized, non-reactive bowl, mix the garlic, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
- Combine the watercress, almonds, half of the cheese slices, and half of the membrillo in a separate bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing carefully to coat evenly. Portion the salad onto 4 plates and decorate with remaining cheese and membrillo. Serve immediately.
Drinks wise: Montsarra Cava, Spain. This sparkling wine adds a delightful touch to your meal, matching harmoniously with the Manchego cheese, countering the watercress' bitterness, and satisfying the membrillo's sweetness.
Additional Delights
Spice things up with Patatas Bravas – spicy fried potatoes with a tangy tomato sauce that'll heighten your meal. Alternatively, indulge in the richness of Grilled Jamón Ibérico, which complements the sweetness of membrillo and the sharpness of Manchego cheese. You could also opt for a hearty Tortilla Española (a potato, onion, and egg omelette) or the tantalizing Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp). For a finishing touch, Croquetas (ham- or chorizo-filled pastries) add a satisfying crunch.
If you're after a fitting wine, go for a dry Spanish white like Albariño or Verdejo, which will accentuate the flavors of Manchego and watercress while cutting through the richness of your dish. End on a sweet note with a Citrus Flan. Buen provecho!
- This watercress salad, a celebration of Spanish flavors, calls for Manchego, an aged sheep's-milk cheese from Spain, as one of its essential ingredients.
- For a comprehensive Spanish culinary adventure, pair the watercress salad with recipes like Patatas Bravas, Grilled Jamón Ibérico, Tortilla Española, Gambas al Ajillo, or Croquetas, which are aptly complementary to the salad's flavors.
- To fully appreciate the intricate interplay of flavors in the watercress salad, consider serving it alongside a glass of Montsarra Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, or a dry Spanish white like Albariño or Verdejo, as the perfect creditline to your meal.
