Mache Salad with Bing Cherries and Pancetta

Yield:
4 servings

A summer salad

Ingredients:

  1. Vinaigrette:
  2. 1 small shallot, minced
  3. 1 1/2 Tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
  4. 3 1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  5. 1 Tablespoon water
  6. 1 teaspoon (3 sprigs) fresh mint, finely chopped
  7. Salt
  8. Freshly ground black pepper
  9. Salad:
  10. 1/4 pound pancetta, diced (about 1/2- inch thick slice)
  11. 6 cups (3.5 ounce) mache*, rinsed and thoroughly dried
  12. 2 cups (1/2 pound) California Bing cherries, rinsed, pitted and quartered
  13. 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced or shaved
  14. 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  15. 1/3 cup almonds or hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)
Directions:

Vinaigrette:
Mix the shallot and vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil, then the water. Add the mint; season to taste with salt and pepper.

Salad:
Saute the pancetta in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring on occasion, until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes.

Combine the mache, cherries, fennel, and warm pancetta in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing. Divide between plates and scatter each salad with goat cheese and nuts (if desired).

*If mache is not available, substitute with fresh baby spinach or arugula.

Mache is also known as Lamb's Lettuce and is a delicate and tender lettuce with a tangy, nutty flavor.

Recipe and Photo Courtesy of The California Cherry Advisory Board - www.calcherry.com


TDS 3