Serrano Ham Salad with Almond Garlic Sauce
A sophisticated Spanish-inspired salad featuring thin slices of serrano ham, crisp romaine lettuce, and piquillo peppers, dressed with a creamy almond-garlic sauce. The combination of toasted almonds, garlic, and sherry vinegar creates a flavorful dressing that perfectly complements the salty ham.
Ingredients
- •1 clove garlic clove
- •½ teaspoon salt
- •½ cup slivered blanched almonds
- •½ cup water
- •3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- •1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar
- •¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- •⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- •1 bottle Spanish piquillo peppers
- •1 head romaine lettuce
- •¼ lb serrano ham
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Mince garlic and mash to a paste with salt using a heavy knife or a mortar and pestle. Transfer to a blender along with 1/2 cup almonds, water, oil, vinegar, hot sauce, and black pepper, then blend until dressing is very smooth, about 1 minute. Coarsely chop remaining 2 tablespoons almonds.
5 min
- 2.
Cut a lengthwise slit in peppers and discard any seeds, then cut peppers into 1/4-inch-wide strips.
5 min
- 3.
Divide romaine and peppers among 4 plates, then arrange ham on top. Drizzle each serving with some dressing and sprinkle with chopped almonds. Serve remaining dressing on the side.
5 min
- 4.
*Available at specialty foods shops, some supermarkets, and The Spanish Table (206-682-2827).
