Watercress Salad with Manchego, Membrillo, and Almonds

Gluten Free
Health score
6%
Watercress Salad with Manchego, Membrillo, and Almonds
15 min.
4
323kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Watercress Salad with Manchego, Membrillo, and Almonds—a delightful dish that perfectly balances freshness and richness. This gluten-free salad is not only quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes, but it also serves as an exquisite side dish, antipasti, or a light starter that will impress your guests.

The peppery notes of watercress are beautifully complemented by the nutty crunch of toasted almonds, while the creamy, savory Manchego cheese adds a luxurious touch. The sweet and fruity membrillo brings a unique sweetness that harmonizes with the other ingredients, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. This salad is a celebration of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, whether it's a casual gathering or a sophisticated dinner party.

Pair it with a glass of Montsarra Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine that enhances the dish's profile with its light-bodied spritz. The effervescence of the Cava cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the salad's fresh ingredients, making each mouthful a delightful experience. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this refreshing salad that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine!

Ingredients

  • medium garlic clove minced
  • servings kosher salt 
  • ounces manchego cheese shaved thin
  • 0.3 cup olive oil extra virgin extra-virgin
  • tablespoons sherry vinegar 
  • 0.5 cup slivered almonds toasted
  • bunches watercress washed stemmed
  • ounces frangelico 
  • ounces frangelico 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • whisk

Directions

  1. Combine the garlic, vinegar, and a couple pinches of salt in a medium, nonreactive bowl.
  2. Whisking constantly, add the olive oil in a steady stream until completely incorporated.
  3. Combine the watercress, almonds, half of the cheese shavings, and half of the diced membrillo in a second bowl.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Divide the salad among 4 plates and garnish with the remaining cheese and membrillo.
  5. Serve immediately.Beverage pairing: Montsarra Cava, Spain. Cava is Spanish sparkling wine, and this one has the light-bodied spritz to merge seamlessly with the Manchego cheese, handle the bitterness of the cress, and appeal to the honeyed sweetness of the membrillo.

Nutrition Facts

Calories323kcal
Protein12.55%
Fat83.37%
Carbs4.08%

Properties

Glycemic Index
18
Glycemic Load
0.22
Inflammation Score
-5
Nutrition Score
9.1243477178657%

Flavonoids

Cyanidin
0.33mg
Catechin
0.17mg
Epigallocatechin
0.35mg
Epicatechin
0.08mg
Eriodictyol
0.03mg
Naringenin
0.06mg
Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.02mg
Isorhamnetin
0.36mg
Kaempferol
2.93mg
Myricetin
0.04mg
Quercetin
3.81mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:323.04kcal
16.15%
Fat:30.38g
46.73%
Saturated Fat:9.47g
59.17%
Carbohydrates:3.35g
1.12%
Net Carbohydrates:1.58g
0.57%
Sugar:0.62g
0.69%
Cholesterol:30.33mg
10.11%
Sodium:372.13mg
16.18%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:10.29g
20.58%
Vitamin K:39.39µg
37.51%
Vitamin E:5.53mg
36.84%
Calcium:356.72mg
35.67%
Manganese:0.36mg
17.77%
Vitamin A:555IU
11.1%
Vitamin B2:0.17mg
9.98%
Magnesium:39.57mg
9.89%
Copper:0.15mg
7.59%
Phosphorus:74.18mg
7.42%
Fiber:1.77g
7.06%
Vitamin C:5.65mg
6.84%
Potassium:146.31mg
4.18%
Iron:0.65mg
3.61%
Zinc:0.45mg
2.98%
Vitamin B1:0.04mg
2.69%
Vitamin B3:0.52mg
2.59%
Vitamin B6:0.04mg
2.2%
Folate:7.09µg
1.77%
Selenium:0.77µg
1.1%
Vitamin B5:0.11mg
1.07%
Source:Chow