Healthy Recipes: Watercress, Stone Fruit & Blueberry Salad

As we head into the summer season and the fruits and vegetables become more abundant, I love experimenting with all the possible salad combinations. It's such fun to create bright big flavorful salads that you can whip up in minutes. This salad combines crisp peppery watercress with juicy stone fruits and blueberries. The orange vinaigrette dressing gives it just the right amount of acidity and the goat cheese adds a layer of nutty richness. It's a sweet and tangy combo that screams summer.  And it is also  a crowd pleaser - think 4th of July BBQ! Keep reading for the recipe! 

I quickly want to highlight watercress because it is considered to be an anti-aging food and a cancer preventive. It is rich in calcium, iron, iodine, folate, vitamins A, C and E. It's also high in chlorophyll which makes it an excellent blood purifier and the the slightly bitter taste helps stimulate gall bladder and and liver function. Eating it raw is the best way to reap the benefits. You can easily add it to sandwiches and salads. It is also delicious with a lean protein on top, dressed in a light vinaigrette.

Watercress, Stone Fruit & Blueberry Salad  

Ingredients: 

• 2-3 cups watercress, trimmed  
• 1/2 peach, sliced 
• 10 cherries, sliced in half 
• 1 cup blueberries 
• 1/2-1ounce crumbled goat cheese
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 
• 1 teaspoon honey 
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 
• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 
• 1 tablespoon grated orange rind 
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste 

Directions: 

1. Spread watercress onto a large plate. 
2. Layer the top middle with peaches and then the cherries. 
3. Add blueberries around the outside of the plate. 
4. Sprinkle with goat cheese.
5.  Combine the remaining ingredients in a jar, shake vigorously and drizzle over the top of the salad. Store the leftover dressing in the refrigerator. 

Makes: 2-4 Servings