Crisped fried cheddar crowns this fresh asparagus and bean salad

Name: Crisped fried cheddar crowns this fresh asparagus and bean salad
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (4 ounces) coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese (may substitute vegan cheddar-style cheese shreds plus 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil; see NOTE); Freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed; 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste; 8 ounces asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced on a diagonal; One (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added cannellini or other white beans, drained and rinsed or 1 1/2 cups cooked; 1 cup (1 1/2 ounces) watercress sprigs or baby arugula; Per serving (1 2/3 cups), based on 3