Spanish Caesar Salad with Marcona Almonds and White Anchovies
A ubiquitous dish that’s fun to riff on, the Caesar salad is always a crowd-pleaser. This version features some fantastic Spanish ingredients, including sweet and delicate Marcona almonds, nutty Manchego cheese and white anchovies. The brined meaty anchovies, or boquerones, are milder and fresher than any salt-packed variety. If you think you don’t like anchovies, give these sweet fillets a try.
A ubiquitous dish that’s fun to riff on, the Caesar salad is always a crowd-pleaser. This version features some fantastic Spanish ingredients, including sweet and delicate Marcona almonds, nutty Manchego cheese and white anchovies. The brined meaty anchovies, or boquerones, are milder and fresher than any salt-packed variety. If you think you don’t like anchovies, give these sweet fillets a try.
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 tsp. dijon mustard
- 2 tbs. mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp. hot sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 1 tsp. grated orange zest
- 2 tbs. fresh orange juice
- 2 tbs. red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
- 1 tsp. smoked mild paprika plus more for garnish
- 1 large head romaine lettuce leaves
- 1 can (15.5 oz.) chickpeas, drained, rinsed well and dra br> again
- 1/2 cup marcona almonds
- 10 brined white anchovy fillets patted dry
- 2 oz. manchego cheese shaved
- Carbohydrate 3.5751187497464 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 34.0091737736678 g
- Fiber 1.74126247480935 g
- Protein 2.84639624998478 g
- Saturated Fat 2.51816675174304 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (49g)
- Sodium 85.1493749999696 mg
- Sugar 1.83385627493705 g
- Trans Fat 0.681740500287052 g
- Calories 322 calories
Step-by-step
- In a blender, combine the orange zest, orange juice, vinegar, mayonnaise, mustard, the 1 tsp. paprika, the hot sauce and garlic and blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- With the motor running, slowly add the oil and blend until the dressing is smooth.
- Remove 6 of the romaine leaves and arrange on a platter.
- Chop the remaining leaves into bite-size pieces and put in a bowl with the chickpeas.
- Add half of the dressing and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the dressed salad over the whole leaves and scatter the almonds, anchovies and parsley over the top.
- Drizzle with more of the dressing before topping with the Manchego and a sprinkling of paprika.
- Serves 4.
My Spanish Fiesta Salad: A Culinary Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can be a real challenge. I often crave something vibrant and flavorful, but I don’t have the energy or time for a lengthy cooking process. That's where this Spanish Caesar Salad comes in. It's become a go-to recipe for me, a delightful blend of textures and flavors that’s surprisingly quick and easy to make. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity; the quality of the ingredients really shines through. The creamy, slightly tangy dressing, the crisp romaine, the salty-sweet anchovies, the crunchy Marcona almonds – each element contributes to a symphony of taste that leaves me feeling satisfied and energized, ready to tackle the day.
What sets this salad apart from a traditional Caesar is the incorporation of authentic Spanish ingredients. The Marcona almonds, with their buttery texture and delicate sweetness, elevate the salad to a whole new level. And the white anchovies, brined instead of salt-packed, are incredibly mild and almost melt in your mouth. I used to be hesitant about anchovies, but these truly changed my mind. They bring a wonderful briny depth of flavor that perfectly complements the other components. The Manchego cheese, with its nutty and slightly sharp taste, adds a final touch of elegance.
I love how versatile this salad is. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish for a barbecue, or even a satisfying dinner when paired with grilled chicken or fish. The dressing itself is a work of art. The combination of orange zest, orange juice, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard creates a harmonious balance of sweet, tart, and savory notes. And the touch of hot sauce adds a subtle kick that awakens the taste buds. I often make a double batch of the dressing and store it in the refrigerator to use throughout the week. It’s equally delicious on other salads or even as a marinade for chicken or fish.
Preparing the salad is a breeze. I usually start by washing and chopping the romaine lettuce. Then, I whisk together the dressing ingredients in a blender – it’s far quicker and easier than making it by hand. While the dressing blends, I prepare the other ingredients: toasting the Marcona almonds (a simple pan-fry does the trick), draining and rinsing the chickpeas, and patting dry the anchovy fillets. The assembly is just as quick: I layer the romaine leaves on a platter, add the dressed chickpeas, and then top it all with the delicious almonds, anchovies, Manchego, and a sprinkle of paprika. The whole process takes less than 20 minutes, making it an ideal option on busy weeknights.
More than just a quick and easy meal, this Spanish Caesar Salad is an experience. The vibrant colors, the exciting flavors, and the satisfying textures transport me to a sun-drenched Spanish patio, even if I'm only sitting at my kitchen table. It's a recipe that I'll continue to enjoy for many years to come, a small slice of culinary adventure that brightens even the most hectic of days. I highly recommend trying this salad. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for impressing your guests or just treating yourself to a truly exceptional meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian option: Omit the anchovies. The salad is still incredibly flavorful without them.
- Add some protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be fantastic additions to this salad.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for an extra kick.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables in advance, making it even faster to assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat.
This Spanish Caesar Salad is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of fresh, flavorful ingredients and a testament to the power of simple cooking. It’s a recipe that speaks to my desire for delicious, healthy food, without sacrificing convenience or quality. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
