Spanish Asparagus Salad With Orange And Manchego Cheese

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I added the manchego cheese. I couldn't help it. If you cannot find good quality fresh asparagus i suggest trader joe's frozen asparagus tips for this recipe. Use the best olive oil you can find (most expensive doesn't always indicate the best quality). From vegetarian: best ever recipe collection.

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Steps

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In large pot of lightly salted boiling water blanch the asparagus spears until green , about 2-3 minutes but no longer.

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Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.

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Peel the oranges and cut up into bite-size segments.

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Save one half of one orange for juicing and zesting.

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In a non-reactive small bowl , combine the olive oil , vinegar , orange zest and 1 tablespoon of orange juice.

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Season with salt and pepper.

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Whisk together and set aside.

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In a large salad bowl combine the cooked asparagus , red onion , orange segments , tomatoes , and lettuce.

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Just before serving , pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently to coat.

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Add shaved manchego to each salad serving if desired.

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Serve with crusty bread.

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Ingredients

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asparagus spear, oranges, red onion, tomatoes, romaine leaves, manchego cheese, extra virgin olive oil, sherry wine vinegar, orange, zest of, orange juice, salt, fresh ground black pepper