createRocket and Watercress Salad
Submitted by Andrew on 16 March 2007 - 10:07pm.
Here’s a simple salad that has a nice taste of pepper and a dressing that is as quick and easy to make as it is to shake a bottle of the cheap pre-made stuff.
Ready
- Rocket (also known as arugula)
- Watercress
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Lemon
- Salt
- Pepper
Set
- Salad spinner
- Small whisk or fork
- Mixing cup or small bowl
- Serving bowl
Go
- Wash and dry the arugula and watercress. Place in serving bowl.
- In small bowl, mix two (2) portions of olive oil to every one (1) portion of vinegar.
- Add a pinch of salt, a dash of lemon juice and a pinch of pepper.
- Whisk well. Taste. Adjust.
- Dress salad with a light touch. Taste and adjust.
- Serve.
Just my cup of tea, this. But I would add two caveats. First, I would go easy on the pepper as there is plenty of pepperiness in the salad leaves. Second, I would use a good balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
Balsamic vinegar is like wine: you can get a cheap, nasty bottle and a vintage that would set you back a mortgage. I usually keep at least two in my pantry: an young balsamic for around $15 and an aged one that will cost a lot more! You will get great advice in an Italian deli (often the best places to buy good balsamic vinegar).
The less expensive version is great drizzled over fries, by the way.