Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with this extraordinary Watercress Endive Salad that promises to revolutionize your salad experience! Imagine a vibrant, crisp blend of peppery watercress, slightly bitter endive, creamy feta, and crunchy toasted walnuts, all harmoniously dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This isn't just a salad – it's a symphony of flavors and textures that will elevate your dining game from ordinary to extraordinary in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups watercress
- 2 cups endive, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the watercress thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water or use a salad spinner to dry the watercress. Set aside.
- Next, take the endive and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Endive has a slightly bitter flavor, so ensure the pieces are uniform for even distribution in the salad.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove from heat and allow to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the watercress and chopped endive. Gently toss them together to mix.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad mixture. The feta adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the bitterness of the endive.
- Once the feta is added, incorporate the toasted walnuts into the salad. The walnuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft textures of the watercress and feta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. This will be your dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the acidity by adding more lemon juice if desired.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Once mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve the Watercress Endive Salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Enjoy your fresh and healthy salad!
Tips
- Freshness is key! Always choose crisp, bright green watercress and endive with no wilting or browning.
- Toasting walnuts is crucial – watch them carefully to prevent burning. The golden-brown color and fragrant aroma are your indicators of perfectly toasted nuts.
- For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and high-quality extra virgin olive oil in your dressing.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain the crispness of the greens and prevent wilting.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this side salad into a complete meal.
- If feta isn't your favorite, try substituting with goat cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- Prep ingredients just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
