For: EyeSwoon.
What: The Bite.
Location: Brooklyn, NY.
When: Spring 2016.
Served: Shaved Cauliflower and Walnut Salad.
Excerpt:
It comes around like clockwork this time of year — steady cravings for light, bright salads. To satisfy those pangs for fresh veggies, here is a gorgeous creation courtesy of one of our favorite cooking technique tinkerers, Evan Kalman of Add1Tbsp. It’s an all-raw dish that packs a satisfying crunch, and it’s accented by a lemony vinaigrette and aged manchego. This swoony salad hits all the right textural notes and is one to enjoy as we transition to bright spring flavors!
Shaved Cauliflower and Walnut Salad
Cauliflower and Walnut Salad
- 1/2 head of cauliflower – cored and cut into florets
- 2 celery stalks – trimmed
- 3 radishes – tops removed
- 1/2 small green apple – cored
- 1/4 small red onion
- 3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves – finely chopped
- manchego cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- Flakey sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
Simple Lemon Vinaigrette
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup walnut oil
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
Steps
Make the Dressing: Zest the lemon into a small bowl and then squeeze to add the juice. Whisk in the Dijon mustard. Then, gradually whisk in the oil until a smooth emulsion forms. Season to taste with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
Assemble the Salad: First, peel the rounded side of the celery with a peeler to remove the strings. Then, thinly slice the cauliflower, celery, radish, and onion on a mandoline into 1/8-inch thick slices (or thinner if you prefer). Alternatively, you can use a food processor with a slicing blade.
Soak the red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to soften its bite. Drain and pat dry. Slice the apple into 1/8-inch slices before gently tossing the ingredients together in a large bowl with the parsley.
Drizzle in the dressing and use your hands to toss everything until it’s evenly coated. Use a vegetable peeler to shave wide, thin slices of manchego over the salad. Be generous. Then, crumble the walnuts in your hand as you sprinkle them all over the salad. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked pepper before serving.
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