Chickpea & Manchego Cheese Salad

8 ounces manchego cheese, chopped

1 (10.5 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup loosely packed mint leaves, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon (1 1/2 tsp.)

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 cup cherry or grape

tomatoes, each cut into quarters (8 oz.)

2 bunches arugula or 1 (5 oz.) box baby arugula, cleaned and patted dry

Preparation

1. Toss cheese, chickpeas, mint, olive oil, garlic and lemon zest together in a medium bowl; season with salt to taste. Set mixture aside to marinate at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes, or cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate in refrigerator overnight.
2. Add lemon juice and tomatoes to cheese-chickpea mixture and toss to coat thoroughly.
3. Divide arugula among 4 individual serving plates and spoon marinated cheese mixture on top. Grind freshly cracked black pepper directly over each salad. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.