Grilled Green Salad with Coffee Vinaigrette

A unique and flavorful salad featuring grilled spring onions, tomatillos, and nopales, topped with queso fresco and dressed with an innovative coffee-infused vinaigrette. Fresh greens and herbs add crispness to this Mexican-inspired dish.

4 servings
1 hr 40 min

Ingredients

  • 4 whole spring onions
  • 4 whole tomatillos
  • 1 large nopales
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 4 ounces queso fresco
  • cup olive oil
  • to taste Kosher salt and pepper
  • 3 tablespoons Sherry vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
  • 3 cups frisee
  • 1 cup watercress
  • ½ whole English cucumber
  • 1 cup fresh herbs

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Combine onions, tomatillos, nopales, garlic, cheese, and 1/3 cup olive oil in a large resealable plastic bag; season with salt and pepper. Seal bag, pressing out air, and toss to coat. Let sit at least 1 hour.

    60 min

  2. 2.

    Whisk vinegar, honey, and espresso in a medium bowl until honey and espresso are dissolved. Gradually add remaining 1/3 cup olive oil, whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Prepare grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grates. (Or, heat a grill pan over medium-high.) Remove onions, tomatillos, and nopales from marinade; grill, turning occasionally, until tender and charred in spots, about 5 minutes. Let cool.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Remove cheese from marinade and grill, turning often, until browned on all sides, 8-10 minutes; let cool.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    Cut vegetables into bite-size pieces; coarsely chop cheese.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    Arrange greens on a platter. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with half of vinaigrette. Top with cucumber, herbs, and grilled vegetables and cheese; drizzle with remaining vinaigrette.

    5 min

  7. 7.

    Do Ahead: Vinaigrette can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.