Watercress, Radicchio & Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe
Overview
Delight your taste buds with this refreshing Watercress, Radicchio & Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese, perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack. This salad combines crisp green beans, peppery watercress, bitter radicchio, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a tangy herb vinaigrette. It’s a celebration of fresh flavors and vibrant colors that’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days or whenever you crave a healthy, flavorful dish.
Recipe Information
- Name: Watercress, Radicchio & Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Vegetable, Canadian, Free Of…, < 30 Mins, No Cook
- Servings: 2
- Calories per Serving: 881.8
- Total Fat: 92g
- Saturated Fat: 17.8g
- Cholesterol: 105.4mg
- Sodium: 242.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.1g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10.1g
- Aggregated Rating: 5 stars (based on 2 reviews)
Ingredients
- 16 green beans
- 1 bunch watercress
- 1/2 head radicchio
- 1 red pepper
- 2 oz goat cheese
- Fresh mixed herbs (to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup lite olive oil
Instructions
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Prepare the Herb Vinaigrette:
- Begin by placing the fresh mixed herbs into a food processor and pulsing until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, add the garlic cloves and continue to process until minced.
- Next, add the egg yolk, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt to the food processor. Process for about half a minute to combine thoroughly.
- Gradually pour the lite olive oil into the food processor through the feed tube while the machine is running. Continue processing until the vinaigrette is well emulsified and smooth. Set aside.
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Assemble the Salad:
- Just before serving, combine the green beans (blanched and cooled), watercress leaves, torn lettuce, and thinly sliced radicchio in a large chilled bowl.
- Crumble the goat cheese over the salad ingredients.
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Dress and Season:
- Drizzle the prepared herb vinaigrette over the salad, using as much or as little as desired. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season the salad with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Serve:
- Divide the salad between two plates or bowls.
- Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs or goat cheese crumbles if desired.
- Enjoy immediately as a nutritious and flavorful meal!
Tips for Success
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Freshness Matters: Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavor and texture. This salad relies on the crispness of the greens and the creaminess of the goat cheese.
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Customize Your Vinaigrette: Adjust the amount of olive oil or vinegar in the vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.
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Make-Ahead: While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to save time.
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Variations: Feel free to add toasted nuts (like walnuts or pine nuts) or sliced avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Green Beans: Rich in vitamins C, K, and A, as well as fiber.
- Watercress: High in antioxidants and vitamins K, C, and E.
- Radicchio: A good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Goat Cheese: Provides protein and calcium with less lactose than cow’s milk cheese.
- Herb Vinaigrette: Offers healthy fats from olive oil and various vitamins from fresh herbs.
Conclusion
Watercress, Radicchio & Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese is a standout dish that balances flavors and textures beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a healthy snack, or a vibrant side dish, this recipe delivers on freshness and taste. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this salad, and feel free to adapt it with your favorite seasonal ingredients for endless culinary inspiration!
