White Bean and Manchego Cheese Salad

Indulge in the delightful simplicity of the White Bean and Manchego Cheese Salad, where contrasting textures and flavors come together in harmony. This uncomplicated yet flavorful salad features creamy white beans, crunchy celery, and thinly sliced red onions. Chopped parsley adds a refreshing herbal touch, while cubes of salty and rich Manchego cheese elevate the dish to a new level of decadence. You can always substitute Manchego with another semi-firm cheese of your choice, as per your preference. Whether you opt for canned beans or prepare them from scratch, ensure they are fully dried to avoid a watery salad.

Perfect as a satisfying side dish or a light meal on its own, this salad is a testament to the beauty of uncomplicated ingredients. The Mild Lemon- or Red Wine–Olive Oil Vinaigrette delicately coats the salad, enhancing the flavors and tying everything together in a harmonious symphony of taste. Let’s savor the delightful contrasts and simple elegance of the White Bean and Manchego Cheese Salad.

SERVES 4 TO 6

INGREDIENTS:

• Two 14½-ounce cans white beans (or 4 cups cooked white beans), drained, rinsed, and dried with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel
• 2 large stalks celery, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 1½ cups)
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (about ¾ cup)
• ½ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
• 8 ounces Manchego cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
• ½ cup Mild Lemon- or Red Wine–Olive Oil Vinaigrette (recipe below)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine the white beans, diced celery, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and cubes of Manchego cheese.
2. Add the Mild Lemon- or Red Wine–Olive Oil Vinaigrette to the bowl of ingredients. Toss everything together gently to ensure the vinaigrette evenly coats the salad.
3. Season the salad to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the seasoning as desired.
4. Serve the White Bean and Manchego Cheese Salad immediately, embracing the wonderful interplay of creamy beans, crunchy celery, and the richness of Manchego cheese. This delightful dish brings together textures and flavors in a satisfying and effortless way, making it a perfect addition to any meal or gathering.

MILD LEMON- OR RED WINE–OLIVE OIL VINAIGRETTE:

Choose your preferred vinaigrette to accentuate the flavors of the White Bean and Manchego Cheese Salad with a subtle and tangy dressing.

INGREDIENTS:

• ⅓ cup lemon juice or red wine vinegar
• ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice or red wine vinegar with the extra-virgin olive oil. Whisk the mixture until it emulsifies, creating a smooth vinaigrette.
2. Season the dressing to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the flavors as desired.
3. This delightful vinaigrette is now ready to complement the White Bean and Manchego Cheese Salad, adding a light and tangy touch to the dish. Any leftover vinaigrette can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for future use. Enjoy the elegant simplicity and incredible taste of this delightful salad!