Orange, Avocado & Mache Salad

Mâche lettuce, also known as lamb lettuce, corn lettuce, Swiss lettuce, and field lettuce, is very delicate in taste and grows in little clusters with short stems. It pairs wonderfully with avocados and oranges, creating a refreshing and nutritious salad perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 4 medium navel or Valencia oranges
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced red onion
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium ripe avocado, thinly sliced
• 5 ounces mâche (about 6 loosely packed cups)

Directions

Prepare the Oranges

1. Grate the Zest:
   Finely grate 1 teaspoon of zest from one of the oranges and put it in a large bowl.
2. Peel the Oranges:
   Trim off the peel and white pith from the oranges using a sharp knife.
3. Slice the Oranges:
   Cut the oranges crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices.
4. Squeeze Juice:
   Squeeze two or three orange slices over a small bowl to yield 1 tablespoon of juice and set it aside.

Make the Dressing

1. Combine Ingredients:
   Add the orange juice to the bowl with the zest. Add the olive oil, minced red onion, and red wine vinegar to the bowl.
2. Whisk the Dressing:
   Whisk the mixture until well blended. Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Prepare the Salad Components

1. Slice the Avocado:
   Thinly slice the ripe avocado and set aside.
2. Arrange on Plates:
   Arrange the remaining orange and avocado slices on one side of each of the six salad plates.

Dress the Mâche

1. Toss with Dressing:
   Toss the mâche with the prepared dressing in a large bowl. Season the salad with additional salt and pepper if needed.
2. Plate the Salad:
   Mound the dressed mâche next to the oranges and avocados on each plate.

Serve

1. Garnish:
   For a more vibrant presentation, sprinkle some extra orange zest over the salad. Optionally, garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
2. Serve Immediately:
   Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and delicate flavors.

Additional Tips

• Enhance the Flavor: For a more complex flavor profile, add a handful of toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts to the salad.
• Alternative Dressing: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the vinaigrette.
• Avocado Tips: To prevent the avocado from browning, lightly brush the slices with lemon juice.

This Orange, Avocado & Mâche Salad is a perfect blend of citrus and creamy textures, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Enjoy!