Tapas Salad: Apple & Manchego

Recently, at a Spanish tapas restaurant, the waitress recommended the simple apple w/ Manchego salad.
I really had no interest, but she insisted that it was her personal favorite.

Well, it is now our favorite too.
How could something so simple, be so good?

It's like spaghetti & meatballs, they just go together nicely.

I searched a lot of Spanish websites and they were pretty much all straight forward, using the same ingredients.

Apple variety of your choice (a red skin would give it a nicer color than my green Granny Smith), and some good aged Manchego, a Spanish sheep's milk cheese.

Spring chives and some lemon and salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
Done.

To be fancy, and add some sweetness, I added some sliced Medjool dates to bring to the party, and this was as good as the restaurant's version.

I'll be eating this for lunch the next few days.

Apple & Manchego Salad (serves 4)

2 large apples of your choice, cut into matchsticks (leave the peel on)
4 oz. of good Manchego cheese (do not substitute the cheese), cut into matchsticks
handful of fresh snipped chives
fresh lemon juice
1 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp olive oil
4 Medjool dates, sliced

Slice the apples into thin matchsticks. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the apples in a bowl, so they don't discolor.

Slice the cheese into the same size as the apples.

Add the chives and sprinkle with kosher salt. Drizzle w/ olive oil and toss lightly.

It's just that easy.

This salad is addictive.

Loved!