Strawberry Watercress Salad

Strawberry Watercress Salad Recipe: Vegan & Vegetarian

| Servings: 8 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Strawberry Watercress Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the peppery flavor of watercress. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

The combination of strawberries and watercress in a salad is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for centuries. Strawberries have long been prized for their sweet flavor and vibrant color, while watercress is known for its peppery taste and high nutritional value. This salad brings together the best of both worlds in a delicious and healthy dish.

Ingredients

2 cups of fruit juice, with 0.5 cup of grapefruit juice, 0.5 cup of orange juice, and 1 cup of lime juice
0.25 cup of honey
a dash of salt
2 pt (946 ml) of fresh California strawberries, stemmed
2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and cut into wedges
1 cup of stemmed, seedless grapes
2 bunches of trimmed watercress

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine citrus juice, honey, and salt. Add strawberries, avocados, and grapes; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to marinate.
To serve, arrange watercress and fruits on eight salad plates. Serve with Brie or blue cheese and crackers.

Variations

Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or crumbled cheese to this salad for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.

- Make sure to wash the watercress thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

- Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite fruits or cheeses.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also makes a great side dish for a summer picnic or barbecue.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this salad is the marinating of the fruits in the citrus juice and honey, which helps to bring out their natural flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute other fruits such as peaches or mangoes for the strawberries, and arugula or spinach for the watercress.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fruit and dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad on a large platter for a beautiful presentation, or serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a fruity iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a great source of carbohydrates, with the strawberries, grapes, and honey providing natural sugars to fuel your body.

Fats

The avocado in this salad provides healthy fats that are essential for brain function and overall health.

Proteins

While this salad is not a significant source of protein, you can easily add grilled chicken or tofu to make it a more substantial meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, while watercress is packed with vitamins A and K. Avocados are a good source of potassium and vitamin E.

Alergens

This salad contains nuts (if using) and dairy (if serving with cheese), so be mindful of any allergies.

Summary

Overall, this salad is a nutritious and delicious option for a light meal or side dish.

Summary

Strawberry Watercress Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or side dish. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all started when I was a young girl, full of curiosity and a love for all things food-related. My grandmother, bless her soul, was the one who introduced me to the wonders of cooking. She was a remarkable woman, always full of life and laughter, and she had a knack for creating the most delicious dishes out of the simplest ingredients.

One summer afternoon, as I sat in her cozy kitchen watching her work her magic, she suddenly turned to me and said, "How would you like to learn how to make a Strawberry Watercress Salad? It's a recipe that has been passed down in our family for generations, and it's one of my personal favorites."

I was intrigued. I had never heard of such a dish before, but I was eager to learn. My grandmother handed me a bowl full of fresh strawberries and a bunch of vibrant watercress, along with a few other ingredients, and began to guide me through the steps of creating this unique salad.

As she spoke, her hands moved with grace and precision, effortlessly mixing the ingredients together to create a beautiful and colorful dish. I watched in awe as she added a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of honey, a hint of tanginess with a splash of balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of toasted almonds for that perfect crunch.

The final result was a masterpiece, a symphony of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds with every bite. The sweetness of the strawberries paired perfectly with the peppery bite of the watercress, while the honey and vinegar added a delightful contrast of flavors that kept me coming back for more.

From that day on, the Strawberry Watercress Salad became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over for dinner, my grandmother would proudly serve up her famous dish, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have made this salad countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I would substitute the almonds for walnuts, or add a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra kick of flavor. Other times, I would experiment with different dressings, trying out everything from a simple vinaigrette to a creamy poppyseed dressing.

No matter how many times I make this salad, it always brings back fond memories of my grandmother and the time we spent together in the kitchen. She taught me so much about the joy of cooking and the importance of sharing good food with loved ones.

As I sit here now, reflecting on those precious moments, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift my grandmother gave me – the gift of a delicious recipe and a love for cooking that will stay with me forever. And so, I continue to pass on her legacy, sharing her Strawberry Watercress Salad recipe with the next generation and spreading the joy of good food and family bonding wherever I go.