Introduction
This delightful dish, Treviso Salad with Orange Vinaigrette and Manchego, marries the crisp bitterness of Italian treviso lettuce with a zesty orange vinaigrette. The addition of tangy Manchego cheese introduces an exquisite Spanish flavor profile to this refreshing salad.
Tips for this recipe
To elevate your salad, ensure the treviso is cut thinly and uniformly to maximize freshness in every bite. Combining ingredients just before serving maintains their crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
Why you will love this recipe
This salad stands out with its unique blend of Italian and Spanish influences, offering a refreshing change to the typical lettuce-and-dressing platter. Its harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors makes it an unforgettable addition to any meal.
Ingredients
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
4 teaspoons honey
4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 pound Treviso, cut through the core into thin wedges
1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
1 4-ounce wedge Manchego cheese
1/4 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
Advised equipment
– Kitchen Knife Set: Essential for chopping and dicing fresh vegetables.
– Mixing Bowls: A set allows for efficient preparation, tossing greens and whisking dressings.
– Salad Spinner: Removes excess water from washed greens like Treviño (Treviso).
– Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps in accurately measuring components of the orange vinaigrette.
– Salad Serving Plates: For displaying prepared Treviño salad with Manchego shavings.
– Orange Juicer (optional): Adds freshly squeezed orange juice element to the vinaigrette.
– Manchego Cheese Slicer (optional): Neatly and efficiently slice Manchego cheese for each diner.
– Mandoline or Vegetable Peeler (optional): Quickly prepares ingredents like carrots and radishes.
– Olive Oil Dispenser with Fine Mist Sprayer: For making orange vinaigrette lighter and more evenly distributed over greens.
History of the recipe
Treviso, a type of radicchio lettuce indigenous to Italy, has been enjoyed since Roman times for its distinctive flavor and structure. The inclusion of Manchego cheese represents Spain’s rich dairy tradition, while the use of treviño highlights the importance of fresh local produce in Italian cuisine.
Fun facts about this recipe
Did you know? Treviso lettuce can be surprisingly sweet if properly dressed and served at room temperature. The orange vinaigrette, with its blend of honey for natural sweetening, is a nod to the Mediterranean emphasis on harmony between ingredients. Additionally, Manchego cheese’s name originates from the Spanish region where it was first made, adding an element of regional pride and authenticity to this salad recipe.
