Arugula Avocado Salad with Date and Walnut Vinaigrette
4to 5 Servings
Ensalada de Arugula y Aguacate con Vinagreta de Dátil y Nuez de Castilla
Ingredients
1/2cupolive oil
1/4cupvegetable oil
6unpeeled garlic cloves
2 to 3chiles de arbol, stemmed
1copious spoonful fresh oregano leaves, or from 2 to 3 sprigs of oregano
1/3cupsherry vinegar
1/4teaspoondijon mustard
1teaspoonkosher or sea salt
4 to 6 medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped
2/3cupwalnuts
5 to 6ouncesbaby arugula
1 to 2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, diced
1/2cupcrumbled queso fresco
To Prepare
Heat the olive oil and vegetable oil in a small saucepan set over low heat, add the unpeeled garlic cloves and chiles de arbol and let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes. The oils should be gently bubbling. Remove from heat and add in the fresh oregano leaves. Set aside to cool slightly.
With a slotted spoon, remove the garlic cloves from the oil and, when cool enough to handle, peel off their skin. Place them into the jar of a blender along with the oils, chiles de arbol, oregano leaves, vinegar, mustard and salt. Puree until completely smooth. Scrape into a bowl and set the vinaigrette aside.
Place a saute pan over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the walnuts and toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring as they begin to lightly brown. Remove from the heat, let cool and chop.
Incorporate the chopped walnuts and dates into the vinaigrette, toss and let sit. You can make the vinaigrette 12 hours ahead of time. Stir before using.
In a salad bowl, toss the arugula with the vinaigrette. Top with avocado chunks and queso fresco. Serve.