Ensalada de Garbanzos, Tomate y Naranja - Chickpea, Tomato and Orange Salad

I have spent a limited amount of time in the south of Spain but when I think of Southern Spain, there are three ingredients that immediately come to mind… chickpeas, tomatoes and oranges and that is why I have combined them in this salad that is a great addition to any summer entertaining menu or as complement to a heavier dish. The juice of the orange combined with the sherry vinegar create a slight sweet and lightly acidic dressing which is quite refreshing.

2 large oranges 

¼ cup olive oil                                                                       

2 tsp sherry vinegar                                       

Salt, and pepper to taste

2 Tomatoes, cut into eighths           

1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans

6 oz. mixed greens                                                      

Zest one orange and reserve the zest.   Peel both oranges and cut into segments.  Squeeze out the juice from the membrane and set aside.  Whisk the oil and vinegar and add 2 tablespoons of the reserved orange juice and the orange zest Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Put the mixed greens in a salad bowl and add the orange segments, tomatoes and chickpeas.  When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently to coat.