Rocket has to be one of my favourite salad leaves, it has a peppery flavour and isn't at all bitter. It also has the advantage that it grows easily in a garden or pot. Sow a few seeds, wait for the leaves to come up, pick as required then just wait for it to self-seed to start the cycle again - how easy is that? Mix in a variety of other salad leaves for varied colour and texture, but make sure that there is plenty of rocket. Another leaf that works particularly well is watercress. The quantities shown in this recipe serve 2 as a starter, but it can easily be modified to serve more, or be served as a main meal.

Ingredients

• 1 Pear, diced
• 2 Handfuls rocket leaves
• 2 Handfuls other salad leaves
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Handful Pine nuts
• Shavings of Pecorino / cheddar cheese

Method

1. Combine the pear and leaves in a bowl.
2. Shake the lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper in a screw top jar (lid closed!). And drizzle the dressing over the salad.
3. Divide the salad between the serving dishes and sprinkle the pine nuts and cheese shavings over the top.