Best 5 Refreshing Watercress Salad Recipes

**Refreshing Watercress Salad: A Medley of Flavors for a Healthy Delicacy**

Indulge in the crisp and peppery delight of watercress salad, a culinary gem packed with nutrients and bursting with flavors. This versatile salad showcases the unique character of watercress, complemented by a symphony of textures and tastes. Discover three enticing recipes within this article, each offering a distinct culinary experience. From the classic watercress and cucumber salad with its refreshing simplicity to the tangy watercress and orange salad with its burst of citrus, these recipes cater to diverse palates. For a more substantial meal, try the hearty watercress and quinoa salad bursting with protein and fiber. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the vibrant world of watercress salads, promising a symphony of flavors that will invigorate your taste buds and nourish your body.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

WATERCRESS & ORANGE SALAD

Watercress & Orange Salad image

Keep this recipe handy when you need to make a special salad quickly. The flavorful vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch to the greens and oranges. -Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

3 bunches watercress, trimmed (about 10 cups)
4 medium oranges, peeled and sectioned
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine watercress and oranges. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 58 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 37mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

WATERCRESS SALAD WITH LIME DRESSING

Watercress Salad with Lime Dressing image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories appetizer

Time 10m

Yield 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 bunch watercress, trimmed and coarsely chopped
4 sprigs fresh mint, chopped, 2 tablespoons
A handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 heart of romaine, coarsely chopped
1 ripe lime, juiced
1 teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
Coarse salt and pepper

Steps:

Combine watercress, mint, parsley and romaine in a small salad bowl. Combine lime juice and sugar in a small dressing bowl. Whisk oil into lime juice in a slow stream. Pour dressing over the salad and season with salt and pepper, to your taste.

WATERCRESS AND CUCUMBER SALAD

Watercress and Cucumber Salad image

This refreshing Watercress and Cucumber Salad with a simple dressing is ready in 10 minutes. It makes for a delicious side dish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 bunches watercress (12 ounces each), trimmed
1/2 English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

Steps:

In a large bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, and mustard; season with salt and pepper. Add watercress and cucumber; toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 88 g, Fat 7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4 g

AVOCADO AND WATERCRESS SALAD

Avocado and Watercress Salad image

Provided by Maggie Ruggiero

Categories Salad Appetizer No-Cook Picnic Low Carb Quick & Easy High Fiber Low Sodium Mother's Day Dinner Avocado Spring Summer Healthy Potluck Watercress Gourmet Sugar Conscious Vegan Vegetarian Pescatarian Dairy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Kosher

Yield makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1/4 cup rice vinegar (not seasoned)
1 tablespoon grated sweet onion such as Vidalia or Walla Walla (use large holes of a box grater)
1/4 cup finely grated peeled Gala apple (use small holes of box grater)
4 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 cups watercress (thin stems and leaves only; from 1 large bunch)
1 firm-ripe avocado

Steps:

Stir together vinegar, onion, apple, soy sauce, and sugar until sugar has dissolved, then stir in oil.
Just before serving, toss watercress with enough dressing to coat. Quarter, pit, and peel avocado, then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Gently toss with watercress.

SIMPLE WATERCRESS SALAD

Simple Watercress Salad image

White-wine vinaigrette brings out the delicate flavor of watercress without overwhelming it in this quick side salad.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 bunches watercress, tough stems trimmed, coarsely chopped (8 cups)

Steps:

Combine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a salad bowl. Slowly whisk in oil. Add watercress and toss with vinaigrette to evenly coat. Serve immediately.

Tips:

Select fresh and tender watercress: Look for watercress with bright green leaves and crisp stems. Avoid wilted or yellowed leaves.
Wash watercress thoroughly: Rinse the watercress under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently shake the watercress to remove excess water.
Prepare the dressing in advance: This allows the flavors to meld and develop. You can make the dressing up to a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Do not overdress the salad: A little dressing goes a long way. Toss the salad gently to coat the leaves evenly.
Add toppings just before serving: This helps prevent the toppings from wilting or becoming soggy.
Serve the salad immediately: Watercress salad is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, but the texture and flavor will not be as good.

Conclusion:

Watercress salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its peppery flavor and crisp texture, watercress is a great addition to any salad. So next time you are looking for a healthy and delicious salad, give watercress salad a try!