A handful of peppery watercress dressed simply with lemon juice and good olive oil. This salad is the sharpest, cleanest side on the table—designed to cut through the richness of oily grilled fish like mackerel, or to balance the char and smoke of any fire-cooked dish. It’s a reminder that not every BBQ accompaniment needs to be heavy or complicated.

The beauty lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Fresh watercress brings a bright, peppery bite, while lemon juice adds a crisp acidity that lifts the greens without overpowering them. A drizzle of quality olive oil smooths everything out, and a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper tie it all together. No fuss, just clean flavours that speak of the season.

This salad is a quick, no-cook preparation—perfect for those days when you want to spend more time tending the fire than fussing over sides. It’s a straightforward, everyday dish that complements the smoky, charred notes of BBQ without competing with them. A simple reminder that sometimes, less really is more.