Five Recipes for Making Watercress and Fig Salad

How to Making Watercress and Fig Salad

Watercress and fig salad is a delightful combination of peppery greens and sweet, juicy fruits. This unique pairing offers a refreshing and nutritious meal that's perfect for any season. In this article, we'll explore five exclusive recipes that will elevate your salad game and impress your guests.

1. Classic Watercress and Fig Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Let's start with a timeless recipe that showcases the natural flavors of watercress and figs.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh watercress	4 cups
Fresh figs, quartered	8-10
Goat cheese, crumbled	1/2 cup
Walnuts, toasted and chopped	1/4 cup
Balsamic vinegar	2 tbsp
Extra virgin olive oil	3 tbsp
Honey	1 tsp
Salt and pepper	To taste

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the watercress, removing any tough stems.
2. In a large bowl, combine the watercress, quartered figs, and crumbled goat cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Sprinkle toasted walnuts on top and serve immediately.

2. Spicy Watercress and Fig Salad with Prosciutto

This recipe adds a savory and spicy twist to the classic watercress and fig combination.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh watercress	4 cups
Fresh figs, sliced	6-8
Prosciutto, thinly sliced	4 oz
Red onion, thinly sliced	1/4 cup
Red pepper flakes	1/4 tsp
Lemon juice	2 tbsp
Extra virgin olive oil	3 tbsp
Dijon mustard	1 tsp
Salt and pepper	To taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange watercress on a large platter.
2. Layer sliced figs and prosciutto over the watercress.
3. Scatter thinly sliced red onions on top.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

3. Watercress and Fig Salad with Grilled Chicken and Blue Cheese

This hearty version turns a simple salad into a satisfying main course.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh watercress	4 cups
Fresh figs, halved	6-8
Grilled chicken breast, sliced	2 cups
Blue cheese, crumbled	1/3 cup
Almonds, sliced and toasted	1/4 cup
Apple cider vinegar	2 tbsp
Extra virgin olive oil	3 tbsp
Whole grain mustard	1 tsp
Maple syrup	1 tsp
Salt and pepper	To taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine watercress, halved figs, and sliced grilled chicken.
2. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and toasted almonds over the salad.
3. In a small jar, combine apple cider vinegar, olive oil, whole grain mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Shake well to emulsify.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately as a main course salad.

4. Asian-Inspired Watercress and Fig Salad

This unique recipe brings an Asian twist to the watercress and fig combination.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh watercress	4 cups
Fresh figs, thinly sliced	6-8
Mandarin orange segments	1 cup
Sesame seeds, toasted	2 tbsp
Rice vinegar	2 tbsp
Sesame oil	1 tbsp
Soy sauce	1 tbsp
Honey	1 tsp
Ginger, freshly grated	1 tsp

Instructions:

1. Arrange watercress on a serving platter.
2. Top with sliced figs and mandarin orange segments.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and serve.

5. Grilled Fig and Watercress Salad with Balsamic Reduction

This warm salad brings out the natural sweetness of figs through grilling.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh watercress	4 cups
Fresh figs, halved	8-10
Balsamic vinegar	1/2 cup
Honey	1 tbsp
Extra virgin olive oil	3 tbsp
Pine nuts, toasted	1/4 cup
Parmesan cheese, shaved	1/4 cup
Salt and pepper	To taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush fig halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred.
3. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer until reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Arrange watercress on a platter and top with grilled figs.
5. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and remaining olive oil.
6. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and shaved Parmesan cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Conclusion

These five unique watercress and fig salad recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures to suit different tastes and occasions. From the classic combination to Asian-inspired twists, there's a recipe for everyone to enjoy. Here are some key takeaways:

• Watercress provides a peppery base that complements the sweetness of figs.
• Experiment with different dressings to enhance the flavors of the salad.
• Add protein like grilled chicken or prosciutto to turn the salad into a main course.
• Incorporate nuts and cheese for extra texture and richness.
• Don't be afraid to try unconventional combinations, like the Asian-inspired version.

By mastering these recipes, you'll be able to create impressive and delicious salads that showcase the unique pairing of watercress and figs. Whether you're preparing a light lunch, a dinner party appetizer, or a refreshing side dish, these salads are sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.