Salad Days

I had the will power to endure 10 minutes in my 104 degree kitchen yesterday. (Yes! The thermometer said 104!) Fortunately, this salad took only 9 minutes to make. I took it over to my parents lake-side house and enjoyed the salad with a frosty Negro Modelo while sitting IN the lake. Life is so sweet sometimes!

Radish & Orange Chop Salad
Serves 3-4

3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 medium cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
10 radishes, halved and sliced thin (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 oranges , peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, and drained (about 1 cup)
1 ripe but still firm avocado, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 small red onion, minced (about 1/4 cup)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
1 romaine heart, washed, dried, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
3 ounces Manchego cheese, shredded
1/2 cup unsalted pepitas
salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Whisk oil, lime juice, and garlic together in large bowl. Add cucumber, radishes, oranges, avocado, onion, and cilantro; toss and let stand at room temperature to blend flavors. Add lettuce, cheese, and pepitas; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper and serve.