Skip to main content

Asparagus and Serrano Ham Salad with Toasted Almonds

4.4

(15)

Image may contain Food Dish Meal Platter Cutlery Fork Lunch and Plant
Asparagus and Serrano Ham Salad with Toasted AlmondsBeatriz Da Costa

(Amanida amb Epàrrec i Pernil)

A Catalan composed salad, or amanida, may be made of almost anything, though ham, sausage, or anchovies are often included.

Traditionally, the ingredients are added to the final presentation individually rather than mixed together.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2 lb thin asparagus, trimmed and peeled
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons finely chopped blanched almonds
2 tablespoons coarse dry bread crumbs
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
3 tablespoons Sherry vinegar
1 medium head escarole, cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips (6 cups)
1/2 lb sliced serrano ham or prosciutto

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Have ready a large bowl of ice and cold water. Cook asparagus in boiling salted water until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain spears, then refresh in ice water. Drain asparagus again and pat dry.

    Step 2

    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a small skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook almonds, bread crumbs, and cumin, stirring frequently, until toasted, 3 to 4 minutes. Cool. Add remaining oil to vinegar in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

    Step 3

    Toss escarole with half of dressing and mound on plates. Arrange ham around escarole and top salad with asparagus. Drizzle asparagus with remaining dressing. Sprinkle salad with almond-and-crumb mixture.

Read More
Invert the ratio of gin to vermouth for a party-friendly and slightly lighter drinking experience.
No grill needed for this just-charred-enough sweet and spicy chicken.
Like tiny tomato galettes and grilled shrimp with chimichurri.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Loosely inspired by pasta Amatriciana, a few pounds of zucchini stand in for tomatoes.
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.