I’m a huge supporter for recipes that are simple. Ones that you can prepare rather quickly, without much effort and most importantly, are flavoursome. A combination that I had yet to try was fruit in a salad. Okay so tomatoes are technically a fruit, but in this instance, I’m referring to the king of berries- strawberries. Yes, I’m adding them into a salad. In collaboration with M&S, I’m recreating their Strawberry and Manchego Salad. It can go one of two ways; be a flavour revelation or be awful. A true Marmite moment.
For the ingredients, I popped along to my local M&S Simply Food that I honestly don’t think I’m ever away from. Ross and I pop in for a few things then leave with a trolley load constantly. Recent favourites of mine are the ‘Best Ever Burger’ that they started doing. These are by far the best burgers you could buy in a supermarket and contain bone marrow to make them extra decadent. Delicious chargrilled or even better barbecued with crispy onions and gooey Manchego cheese in a brioche bun. Drool.
Back to the Strawberry and Manchego Salad though, you know, healthy balance and all that jazz.
I picked up the 8 ingredients required to recreate this recipe, including the all important Strawberries and headed home very proud of myself that I managed to restrain myself from buying extra goodies. This time.
M&S are a huge champion for British berries and summer time is the perfect season to celebrate their provenance. They are passionate and committed to the sustainable sourcing of quality British ingredients. Working with some of its berry suppliers for over 40 years, M&S are proud to work with farmers who have been farming for generations. A great feat indeed.
In all honesty, while making the Strawberry and Manchego Salad I wasn’t sure I would like the end result. It is a combination that I’ve never had before and was hesitant to try it. All my hesitations were quickly brushed aside upon first bite.
The combinations of textures, sweetness and acidity complimented each other and the salad was devoured within minutes. I enjoyed it that much that a few days later, I made it again for my parents.
Definitely a dish worth trying.
Strawberry and Manchego Salad
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and paprika and season with a little salt. Slice the cucumber.
Arrange the rocket, cucumber and ham on a serving platter and scatter over the strawberries. Using a potato peeler, make shavings from the cheese and scatter over the salad.
Drizzle with the dressing and scatter over the basil. Serve with the flatbreads.
Ingredients
Directions
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and paprika and season with a little salt. Slice the cucumber.
Arrange the rocket, cucumber and ham on a serving platter and scatter over the strawberries. Using a potato peeler, make shavings from the cheese and scatter over the salad.
Drizzle with the dressing and scatter over the basil. Serve with the flatbreads.
Disclaimer: Ingredients were gifted by M&S. Thoughts my own.
