A delightful fusion of flavors awaits you with this watercress salad with salami and goat cheese recipe. This salad is a harmonious blend of peppery watercress, salty salami, and tangy goat cheese, all brought together with a crisp homemade crouton and delicate vinaigrette. It's a perfect start to any meal or a light lunch on its own.
This recipe calls for watercress, which may not be a common ingredient in everyone's kitchen. Watercress is a leafy green that has a unique peppery flavor. It's usually found in the fresh produce section of the grocery store, often near other salad greens. Another ingredient to note is the goat cheese, which has a distinct tangy, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other components of this salad. It can be found in the cheese section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Watercress Salad with Salami and Goat Cheese
White bread: Used to make homemade croutons, adding a delightful crunch to the salad.
Olive oil: Used for making the croutons and the vinaigrette, it adds a subtle fruity note.
Salt: Brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the salad and vinaigrette.
Vinegar: Gives the vinaigrette a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the salami and goat cheese.
Watercress: The main green in this salad, it has a peppery flavor that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.
Salami: Adds a salty, savory note to the salad.
Goat cheese: Its creamy tangy flavor complements the peppery watercress and salty salami.
One reader, Bil Ziegler says:
This watercress salad with salami and goat cheese recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The peppery watercress, savory salami, and creamy goat cheese create a perfect harmony. The croutons add a satisfying crunch. It's a refreshing and satisfying salad that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommended!
Mastering the Art of Salad Making: Key Techniques
How to make croutons: Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake in a preheated oven until crisp and brown, stirring occasionally.
How to make the dressing: Whisk together vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, then slowly add the remaining oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
How to assemble the salad: Toss the watercress and salami with the dressing, then add the croutons and toss to combine. Finally, plate the salad and crumble goat cheese over each serving.
How to pair with wine: Consider serving this salad with Italy's light and thirst-quenching Bardolino, which can be charming when made by small artisanal wineries in the Veneto region.
How To Make Watercress Salad with Salami and Goat-Cheese
Peppery bites of watercress, tart goat cheese, and savory salami makes up this tangy watercress salad! Whip up a serving in just under 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4cupswhite bread cubes,(1 quart), ½ inch, good quality
- 9tbspolive oil
- salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 2tbspred wine vinegar,or white wine
- 1¼lbwatercress
- ¼lbsalami,sliced
- 6ozmild goat cheese
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toss them with 3 tablespoons of the oil and ⅛ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
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Bake for 10 to 15 minutes stirring the croutons occasionally, until they are crisp and brown.
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In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the vinegar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons oil slowly, whisking.
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Add the watercress and the salami to the dressing and toss to combine. Toss in the croutons.
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Put the salad on plates and crumble some of the goat cheese over each serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 613.94kcal
- Fat: 49.78g
- Saturated Fat: 13.99g
- Trans Fat: 0.15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 28.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.46g
- Carbohydrates: 22.08g
- Fiber: 2.53g
- Sugar: 2.73g
- Protein: 21.49g
- Cholesterol: 50.18mg
- Sodium: 955.70mg
- Calcium: 294.25mg
- Potassium: 667.32mg
- Iron: 3.16mg
- Vitamin A: 352.62µg
- Vitamin C: 61.07mg
One Simple Technique to Elevate Your Salad Game
When making your own croutons, it's important to keep an eye on them as they bake. They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of minutes. Also, tossing them in olive oil before baking not only helps them to crisp up, but also adds an extra layer of flavor. For an even more robust taste, consider adding dried herbs or garlic powder to the oil before tossing with the bread cubes.
Time-Saving Hacks for Quick and Easy Salad Preparation
Prep ahead: Prepare the croutons, dressing, and slice the salami in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use pre-washed watercress: Opt for pre-washed watercress to eliminate the need for washing and drying, saving valuable time in the kitchen.
Multi-task: While the croutons are baking, prepare the dressing and slice the salami to maximize efficiency in the cooking process.
Invest in quality ingredients: Quality ingredients often require less preparation and can enhance the overall flavor, saving time on complex seasoning and adjustments.
Organize your workspace: Prior to starting the recipe, ensure all ingredients and tools are readily accessible, streamlining the cooking process and minimizing time wastage.
Efficient assembly: Arrange all the ingredients and tools in an organized manner to facilitate a smooth and efficient assembly process for the salad.
Utilize kitchen gadgets: Utilize kitchen gadgets such as a salad spinner, mandoline slicer, or food processor to expedite the preparation process and save time.
Delegate tasks: Enlist the help of family members or friends to assist with simple tasks like assembling the salad, allowing for a quicker and more enjoyable cooking experience.
Substitute Ingredients For Watercress Salad with Salami and Goat-Cheese Recipe
watercress - Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a similar peppery flavor and a slightly bitter taste, making it a suitable replacement for watercress in salads.
salami - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto offers a similar salty and savory flavor profile, and its delicate texture complements the salad well.
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese provides a tangy and slightly salty flavor, which can serve as a delicious alternative to goat cheese in the salad.
Plating Ideas for a Stunning Salad Presentation
Elevate the croutons: Create artisanal croutons using high-quality white bread, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. Ensure they are perfectly crisp and golden brown for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Artfully arrange the watercress and salami: Carefully layer the vibrant watercress and thinly sliced salami on the plate, creating a visually appealing and balanced composition.
Garnish with goat cheese: Crumble mild goat cheese over the salad, adding a creamy and tangy element to the dish. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Drizzle with vinaigrette: Lightly coat the salad with the red or white wine vinaigrette, ensuring each component is delicately dressed to enhance the overall taste and presentation.
Consider the plate: Select a pristine, white plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the salad, allowing the ingredients to take center stage and exude elegance.
Emphasize precision and balance: Pay attention to the placement of each element, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and colors in every bite.
Incorporate microgreens for a touch of sophistication: Add a sprinkle of microgreens as a final touch, elevating the visual appeal and adding a subtle hint of freshness to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting the Perfect Salad
- Oven: You will need an oven to bake the bread cubes for the croutons until they are crisp and brown.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to spread out the bread cubes for baking to make the croutons.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper for the salad dressing.
- Large glass or stainless-steel bowl: This is used to mix and toss the salad ingredients and dressing together.
- Knife: A knife is needed to slice the salami and to crumble the goat cheese over the salad.
Reviving Leftover Salad: Tips and Tricks
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover salad on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat the salad in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the goat cheese is slightly melted and the salami is warm. This method will help to revive the flavors and textures of the salad without overcooking the watercress.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the salad in the microwave. Place the desired portion of salad on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-45 seconds. Check the salad and stir it gently to distribute the heat evenly. If needed, heat for an additional 15-30 seconds until the salad is warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat the salad, as this can cause the watercress to wilt and become soggy.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the croutons separately. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the croutons on a baking sheet. Bake them for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crispy and warm. Add the reheated croutons to your leftover salad just before serving to maintain their crunchy texture.
If you have stored the salad dressing separately, you can refresh the leftover salad by drizzling a small amount of the reserved olive oil and vinegar dressing over the salad before reheating. This will help to revitalize the flavors and prevent the salad from drying out during the reheating process.
Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the reheated salad to brighten the flavors and add a fresh twist to your leftover dish.
Surprising Trivia About Watercress You Might Not Know
Watercress salad is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. It's a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal.
Budget-Friendly or Splurge-Worthy? The Economics of Homemade Salads
This watercress salad with salami and goat cheese recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients, such as watercress, salami, and goat cheese, are relatively affordable and widely available. The use of simple pantry staples like olive oil and bread further enhances the cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, considering its balance of flavors, nutritional value, and affordability.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Not So Much?
The watercress salad with salami and goat cheese recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, watercress is a nutrient-dense leafy green, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. Goat cheese provides protein and calcium, while olive oil offers healthy monounsaturated fats. However, the recipe also includes some less healthy components. The white bread croutons, although delicious, are made from refined grains and add extra calories. Salami, while tasty, is a processed meat high in sodium and saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues if consumed in excess.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the white bread croutons for whole grain bread or omit them altogether and add some chopped nuts for crunch and healthy fats
- Reduce the amount of salami or replace it with a leaner protein like grilled chicken or turkey
- Use a reduced-fat goat cheese to lower the overall calorie and fat content
- Increase the proportion of watercress to boost the nutrient density of the salad
- Experiment with different vinegars, such as balsamic or apple cider, for added flavor and potential health benefits
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Salami and Goat Cheese Salad
This watercress salad with salami and goat cheese recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crisp and flavorful croutons add a satisfying crunch, while the peppery watercress and savory salami create a well-balanced base. The mild goat cheese provides a creamy and tangy finish, tying the dish together beautifully. The vinaigrette dressing complements the ingredients perfectly, enhancing the overall taste. The suggested wine pairing of Bardolino from Italy is a fantastic choice, as its light and refreshing qualities will complement the salad's flavors. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and satisfying dining experience.
Enhance Your Watercress Salad with Salami and Goat-Cheese Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Watercress Salad with Salami and Goat-Cheese Recipe:
This recipe features watercress as the star ingredient, known for its vibrant flavor and nutritional benefits. The combination of savory salami and creamy goat cheese adds depth and richness to the dish. The use of high-quality olive oil and wine vinegar in the dressing ensures a well-balanced and flavorful salad. The inclusion of homemade croutons adds a delightful crunch. The recommended wine pairing, Bardolino, complements the flavors perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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