What amazes people most about this Alsatian-style salad is how mild the onions are. Slicing them paper thin (a mandolin saves time if you have one) and getting them into cold water mellows them immediately. Although I’ve listed ham as the meat, I used back bacon because it’s what I had at the ready. Substitute your favourite meat and cheese to make this your own. Hint… Think Italian.
Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1 large onion – very finely sliced 1 tablespoon coarse Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar ½ clove garlic – very finely chopped or crushed ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil ½ cup parsley leaves – chopped 10 ounces lean ham – cut into matchsticks 3 ounces gruyere cheese – cut into matchsticksPreparation:
Place the sliced onion into a bowl of cold water.
In a bowl large enough to toss the salad, mix together the Dijon, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk the olive oil into this mixture.
Drain the onion well and add it to the bowl along with the remaining ingredients. Toss the salad until everything is evenly dispersed and coated with the dressing. Serve immediately.