Recipes: Soups and salads

Macmillan Cancer Support Medical Reference

Most of the recipes in this section are designed to be quick and easy, as well as tasty and nutritious. So even if you feel sick, tired, or generally unwell, it should be possible to prepare meals which are good for you and your family with the minimum of fuss and effort.

Avocado and grapefruit salad

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe avocado pears
• 1 medium grapefruit
• 2 heads chicory
• 1 bunch watercress
• French dressing

Instructions

   1. Peel and stone the avocados. Cut in slices lengthwise.

   2. Peel and slice the grapefruit. Halve the slices.

   3. Separate the chicory leaves and arrange around the sides of a serving bowl.

   4. Wash and trim the watercress and pile into the centre of the dish.

   5. Arrange the avocado and grapefruit slices over the top.

   6. Drizzle with French dressing before serving.

Nutritional information

(approximate values per portion)

Energy: 205 kcal; Protein: 2.5g; Fat: 19g (of which saturates: 4g); Carbohydrate: 6g; Fibre: 4g.

Creamy watercress soup

Serves 4 - 6

Ingredients

• 450g/1lb leeks (white part only) washed and chopped
• 2 bunches watercress, washed, trimmed, destalked and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 55g/2oz butter
• 840ml/30floz vegetable stock
• 150ml/5floz double cream
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper
• Watercress sprigs to garnish

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan. Add the prepared leeks, potato and watercress and stir well.
2. Add a good pinch of salt, then cover the pan and allow the vegetables to sweat over a low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the stock, bring to simmering point, cover and simmer for a further 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are quite tender.
4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
5. Liquidise the cooled soup and then return to the saucepan.
6. Stir in the cream, season to taste and reheat gently.
7. Serve garnished with a sprig of watercress.

Note: This soup can also be served chilled.

Specific conditions: 

Problems chewing or swallowing

Nutritional information 

(approximate values per portion)

Energy: 330 kcal; Protein: 4g; Fat: 30g (of which saturates: 19g); Carbohydrate: 12g; Fibre: 3g.

For more recipes, and further advice on eating well during and after cancer treatment, visit Macmillan Cancer Support’s website.