Sweet White Salad with Shaved Asiago

Salads have the remarkable ability to capture the essence of simplicity and sophistication simultaneously. This Sweet White Salad with Shaved Asiago is a perfect embodiment of that duality, offering a delightful blend of fresh, crisp ingredients with a touch of indulgence. The harmonious combination of flavors and textures in this salad creates a captivating experience that’s sure to please your palate.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

For the Salad:

• 4 ounces (about 2 heads) frisée or fine curly endive
• 4 heads Belgium endive, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup julienne of jicama
• 1 small sweet onion, sliced into paper-thin rings

For the Dressing:

• Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon orange juice concentrate
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Wedge of Asiago cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or other good “grana” cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Salad: Wash and dry the frisée; combine it with the Belgium endive, jicama, and onions in a large bowl.
2. Create the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, orange juice concentrate, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
4. Serve with Elegance: Arrange the salad onto 4 plates, piling it as high as possible to showcase its visual appeal.
5. Add the Cheese: Using a swivel peeler, gently shave 4 or 5 curls of Asiago cheese (or your preferred “grana” cheese) over each salad.
6. Enjoy Immediately: Serve this Sweet White Salad with Shaved Asiago immediately to savor the vibrant combination of flavors and textures.

TIPS:

Tips for Making Sweet White Salad with Shaved Asiago:

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: The success of this salad hinges on the quality and freshness of its ingredients. Opt for crisp and vibrant frisée, endive, jicama, and sweet onion for the best results.
• Slice the Onion Thinly: To achieve those delicate, paper-thin onion rings, consider using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife. Thinly sliced onions add a mild, sweet crunch to the salad.
• Handle the Cheese with Care: When shaving Asiago cheese (or any “grana” cheese), make sure it’s at room temperature for smoother curls. Gently use a swivel peeler to create thin cheese shavings for an elegant garnish.
• Play with Variations: While this recipe is delightful as-is, don’t hesitate to get creative. You can add toasted nuts like pine nuts or slivered almonds for added texture and flavor. Croutons are another option if you desire a bit of crunch.
• Don’t Overdress: The dressing is a delightful balance of citrusy and savory flavors. Start with a light drizzle, toss the salad, and then add more if needed. Overdressing can make the salad soggy.
• Serve Immediately: This salad is at its best when served promptly after assembling. The crispness of the ingredients and the flavors are at their peak right after tossing.
• Pairing Options: This Sweet White Salad pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes. It’s an excellent choice to accompany grilled chicken, seafood, or even a simple pasta dish.
• **Make-Ahead: ** While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the dressing and slice the vegetables ahead of time to save some effort when serving.
• Experiment with Cheese: While Asiago is a fantastic choice for its nutty, savory flavor, you can also try other hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano for unique variations.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing before tossing it with the salad. Adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your preference for acidity and seasoning.

This Sweet White Salad with Shaved Asiago exemplifies the beauty of simplicity in salads. With fresh greens, a zesty dressing, and the elegance of shaved Asiago cheese, it’s a delightful dish that celebrates the harmony of flavors and textures. Whether as an appetizer, side dish, or a light meal, this salad is sure to impress with its combination of freshness and indulgence. Embrace the art of simplicity in your culinary repertoire with this gourmet salad.