Watercress Lentil and Haloumi Salad
Have you ever eaten watercress?
Watercress growing in our back yard
I love it
It tastes a bit similar to rocket – slightly peppery – and it is a fabulous addition to salads such as this one…
Watercress is incredibly nutritious:
Watercress is rich in antioxidants that protect skin against ageing, eyes from macular degeneration and your whole body from cancer. In fact, watercress contains the compound pheny-lethyl-isothiocyanate (PEITC), which promotes the excretion of cancer causing substances and may particularly protect against lung and bowel cancer.
Watercress belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables along with broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok choy and rocket, well-known for their nutrient density and anti-cancer properties. They also help the detoxification ability of the liver – in particular, watercress enhances phase two liver detoxification pathways.
In fact, watercress is reported to be even more nutrient dense than (the currently very popular) kale!
This gorgeous and quick to make salad comes from my veggie-licious cookbook, which I am so proud to say is getting rave reviews – YAY!
click here to grab your copy 🙂
I hope you give watercress a go and try this salad
However if you can’t find watercress, rocket, or a mixture of baby spinach leaves and rocket make a great substitute
YUM 🙂
- 2 red capsicums, roasted (you can use roasted red peppers, available in jars at delis and supermarkets)
- 4–6 cups or approx 100 grams watercress sprigs, washed well and dried
- ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves
- 100 grams haloumi
- 400 tin brown lentils, drained
- Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- pepper, to taste
- Cut the roasted capsicum flesh longways into 3 mm lengths.
- Remove any thick stalks from the watercress and wash along with the mint leaves. Use a salad spinner to dry, then set aside.
- Slice haloumi and set aside.
- To make the dressing, place oil, lemon juice, garlic and pepper in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well to combine. Note: As the haloumi is salty you should not need to add any salt.
- Just before serving, place a frypan over medium heat. When hot, add the haloumi and cook for 2–3 minutes each side until browned.
- Combine capsicum, lentils, watercress and mint in a serving bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Toss together and arrange on a serving platter.
- Top with haloumi and serve.
- VARIATIONS
- • Replace haloumi with buffalo mozzarella (no cooking needed)
- • For a vegan option, replace cheese with a vegan cheese or walnuts
- • Cook your own lentils. I like to use the French green (also called Puy) lentils. You will need ½ cup and they take approx 20 mins to cook!
