5 Easy Ways to Enjoy Watercress, the Ultimate Superfood Vegetable

Incorporating more vegetables into your diet is a proven way to boost your health, but it can sometimes be tricky. Watercress, a cruciferous vegetable, is considered one of the healthiest options by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Packed with vitamins K, A, C, and B, as well as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, it offers various benefits for heart and skin health, detoxification, hormone balance, and cancer prevention.

Just one to two cups of watercress daily can provide significant health benefits. Here are five simple and delicious ways to add watercress to your meals:

1. Create a Fresh Salad
   Use watercress as the base for your salad. Toss it with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple, nutrient-packed side.
2. Steep Watercress Tea
   Make a soothing tea by steeping watercress leaves in hot water with ginger and lemon. This mineral-rich drink offers hydration and immune support with a mild, peppery taste.
3. Add it to Smoothies
   Blend watercress into your favorite smoothie for an antioxidant boost. Its peppery flavor balances the sweetness of fruit and adds extra nutrients.
4. Make a Comforting Soup
   Blend watercress into vegetable broth with sautéed onions and potatoes or cauliflower to create a creamy, nutrient-dense soup. Add coconut milk for a dairy-free option and garnish with seeds or herbs for extra texture.
5. Whip Up Watercress Pesto
   Replace basil with watercress in your pesto recipe. Blend it with garlic, nuts, olive oil, and nutritional yeast for a healthy, plant-based alternative.