Watercress Salad With Strawberries and Feta

This salad is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy watercress, strawberries, and feta cheese. The watercress gives the salad a nice peppery flavor, while the strawberries add sweetness and freshness. The feta cheese completes the dish with its salty flavor and creamy texture. This salad is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp champagne vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Kosher salt & freshly grated black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• 1 bunch watercress (about 4 cups)
• 1/2 cup packed mint or basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 16 ripe strawberries, halved lengthwise

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds on a baking sheet and bake for 7 to 9 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

2. In a small bowl whisk the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the oil. Taste and add more honey, salt, or pepper if you like.

3 .In a salad bowl, toss the watercress, mint and/or basil strawberries radishes and cucumber with half the dressing .Taste and continue adding additional dressing until salad is evenly coated with dressing an flavorful

4 Top with crumbled feta an toasted almonds ,and serve

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 107
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 3 mg
• Sodium: 73 mg
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Protein 2g

FAQs

Is it healthy to eat raw watercress?

Watercress is a leafy green vegetable that is often consumed raw in salads or as a garnish. While watercress does have some health benefits, there are also potential risks associated with eating it raw.

Watercress contains high levels of antioxidants, which have been linked to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease. Additionally, watercress is a good source of vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. However, watercress also contains compounds called goitrogens, which can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. For this reason, people with thyroid conditions or who take thyroid medication should avoid consuming large amounts of raw watercress.

In general, it is safe to eat small amounts of raw watercress without any adverse effects. However, if you are concerned about the goitrogenic compounds in watercress or are at risk for developing thyroid problems, you may want to cook the vegetable before consuming it. Cooking will destroy the goitrogenic compounds and make the vegetable safer to eat for those with sensitivities.

How do you prepare watercress for a salad?

Watercress is a delicious and nutritious leafy green that can be enjoyed in many different ways. One of the most popular ways to enjoy watercress is in a salad.

There are many different recipes for watercress salads, but they all generally follow the same basic steps. First, you will need to wash the watercress thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once it is clean, you can either leave the watercress whole or chop it into smaller pieces, depending on your preference.

Next, you will need to make a dressing for your salad. This can be as simple as a mixture of olive oil and white vinegar, or you can get more creative with additional ingredients like Dijon mustard or granny smith apples. Once you have prepared your dressing, simply toss it with the watercress until it is evenly coated.

If you are serving the salad immediately, add any additional ingredients (like red onions or crumbled cheese) and enjoy! If you are making ahead of time, store the salad in a covered container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How do you cut watercress for a salad?

To cut watercress for a salad, first place the watercress on a chopping board. Use a sharp knife to trim the thick stalks from the watercress. Transfer the watercress to a bowl or sink of cold water. Wash. For best results, separate any slightly yellow and limp sprigs from the crisp green sprigs and discard.

What tastes good with watercress?

Watercress is a type of leafy green vegetable that has a slightly peppery taste. It is often used in salads or as a garnish, but can also be cooked and served as a side dish. When it comes to pairing watercress with other foods, there are many different options that can taste good.

Beef and chicken are both classic protein choices that go well with watercress. The leafy greens can help to balance out the richness of the meat, and they can also be used as wraps or toppings for burgers or sandwiches. Egg is another popular protein option to pair with watercress, whether it is hard-boiled, scrambled, or made into an omelette. Feta cheese is a delicious way to add some creaminess to a watercress dish, while goat cheese can provide a tangy contrast.

For those looking for something lighter, fish and seafood can be excellent options to pair with watercress. The delicate flavor of the greens goes well with milder fish like salmon or sesame seeds crusted tuna. Sunflower seeds are another tasty option that can add some crunchiness to a dish featuring watercress.