She Strengthens

Savoring the Flavors of Spain: A Refreshing Watercress Salad

A Taste of Tradition

Spanish cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, rich traditions, and vibrant ingredients. This simple yet elegant watercress salad embodies the essence of Spanish gastronomy, making it the perfect accompaniment to a delicious Poblano Peppers dish.

Gourmet Ingredients at Your Fingertips

To create this authentic Spanish salad, you’ll need a few specialty ingredients. Look for membrillo, a sweet quince paste, and Manchego cheese, a rich aged sheep’s-milk cheese from Spain, at gourmet groceries or Latin markets. Both ingredients can also be found online.

Easy to Prepare, Impressive to Serve

This recipe yields 4 servings and takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 bunches watercress, stemmed and washed
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 4 ounces Manchego cheese, shaved into thin slices
• 4 ounces membrillo, small dice

Preparing the Salad

In a medium, nonreactive bowl, combine the garlic, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Whisking constantly, slowly pour in the olive oil until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, combine the watercress, almonds, half of the cheese shavings, and half of the diced membrillo. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Divide the salad among 4 plates and garnish with the remaining cheese and membrillo. Serve immediately.

The Perfect Pairing

To elevate this dish, pair it with a glass of Montsarra Cava, a light-bodied Spanish sparkling wine. The crisp, refreshing flavors of the Cava will beautifully complement the creamy Manchego cheese, the peppery watercress, and the sweet membrillo.