Last time I was at Trader Joe’s, I noticed they had some hydroponically grown watercress in the produce section. I was overjoyed! I love watercress and have waited and waited to see it again at Trader Joe’s. I also bought a ton of arugula and a log of yummy Chèvre from the Vermont Butter and Cheese Company, which received the best rating for domestic goat cheese from Cooks’ Illustrated. (It really is delicious.)
A quick search online at Epicurious.com gave me the perfect recipe that incorporated all of my purchases. I borrowed heavily from that recipe, substituting blackberries for raspberries and toasted almonds for the pine nuts. Also, I used frozen blackberries that I thawed. They worked out perfectly.
Arugula, Watercress and Goat Cheese Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette
Adapted from Epicurious.com
Serves 6 (if you halve it, it serves 2 as a large side salad)
Ingredients:
For Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup fresh blackberries, divided
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 shallot, chopped
1 teaspoon honey
For Salad:
1/2 cup fresh blackberries
1 5-ounce bag mixed baby greens with arugula
2 cups small watercress sprigs
1/2 cup almonds, toasted (or toasted pine nuts, walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts)
1 cup crumbled soft fresh goat cheese (about 4 ounces)
For vinaigrette:
Puree 1/2 cup blackberries, oil, vinegar, shallot, and honey in blender. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
For salad:
Combine remaining 1/2 cup blackberries, greens, watercress, and pine nuts in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Divide salad among plates. Sprinkle with goat cheese. Serve, passing remaining dressing separately.
We must be on the same wavelength, I made a similar berry salad last night.
Azucar–
You and I could be dangerous together, don’t you think? I mean, just imagine our two minds (and sophisticated palates) combining in the kitchen. We could even take over the world. I’m only (half) kidding.
That sounds like a beautiful salad and I love that photo of the blackberries!
Oh, man! I am totally going to make that. Have I told you I love berries?
I absolutely love fresh, innovative salads like this one, Lindsey. Delicious!
Two of my total favorites! Arugala and Goat Cheese. I already know I love this recipe before I try it!
What a gorgeous salad. It isnt often that salad sets my stomach rumbling. I’m sure the tang of the goat cheese was great against the berries. yum!