Best 20 Watercress Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Watercress salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner. It is made with fresh watercress, which is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. Thanks to its slightly peppery flavor, watercress pairs well with a variety of other ingredients, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and avocado. It can also be used as a base for a variety of dressings, including vinaigrette, Caesar, and ranch. Whether you are a seasoned salad-maker or a novice cook, there is a watercress salad recipe out there to suit your taste.

Here are our top 20 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

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 AND TOFU SALAD



Watercress and Tofu Salad image

This light and tasty dish is great for pot-lucks or even a light dinner. Substitute canned tuna with canned salmon, albacore, or fresh grilled fish. Use my Oriental Salad Dressing for other dishes as well.

Provided by toninalani

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 bunches watercress, cut to 3-inch pieces
1 (10 ounce) package tofu, cut to 1-inch blocks
1 (6 ounce) light chunk tuna in water, flaked
1 medium tomatoes, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon gingerroot, finely grated
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon sugar

Steps:

  • Drain tofu on paper towels in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • After tofu is drained, cut into 1" blocks.
  • Heat pot of lightly salted water.
  • Cut 2 inches off bottom of watercress and discard.
  • Cut watercress into 3" pieces.
  • When water comes to boil, add cut watercress and parboil for 30 seconds.
  • Drain and cool in ice bath.
  • Meanwhile, make Oriental Salad Dressing: Combine all other ingredients - soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds and blend.
  • Arrange drained and cooled watercress on a platter with tofu, tomato, and fish.
  • Drizzle with Oriental Salad Dressing at time of serving.

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

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.

EASY TOFU SALAD WITH TUNA AND WATERCRESS



Easy Tofu Salad with Tuna and Watercress image

Fresh tofu salad with a sesame, garlic and soy sauce dressing.

Provided by Emi Goya

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Tuna Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups bean sprouts
1 (12 ounce) package soft tofu, drained and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
1 bunch watercress, chopped
2 tomatoes, cubed
¼ cup Japanese pickled radish
½ cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
¼ cup sesame oil
½ cup soy sauce

Steps:

  • Layer the bean sprouts, tofu, tuna, watercress, tomatoes, and Japanese pickled radish in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set aside. Place the onion in a bowl.
  • Heat the garlic in the sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat until garlic is browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove garlic slices, then pour the hot oil over the onion. Stir in the soy sauce and pour dressing over the salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215 calories, Carbohydrate 9.1 g, Cholesterol 12.6 mg, Fat 12.3 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 19.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 1298.8 mg, Sugar 3.9 g

WATERCRESS, PEAR AND GORGONZOLA SALAD



Watercress, Pear and Gorgonzola Salad image

Mellow pears contrast the strong flavors of gorgonzola in this bright, lightly creamy salad. It's all finished with a sweet-tart dressing of onion, mustard and red wine vinegar. It makes a lovely first course, or simply treat it as two servings, rather than four, and serve it as a light lunch.

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     easy, quick, weekday, salads and dressings

Time 5m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/3 cup coarsely chopped cippolini or other sweet onion
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon honey
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
Sea salt
ground white pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 ounces watercress (about 1 bunch), thick stems removed
4 ounces Gorgonzola, sliced into 16 small slabs
2 ripe pears, cored, quartered and cut in wedges, or 4 fresh figs, quartered

Steps:

  • Combine the onion, mustard, vinegar, honey, lemon juice and grapeseed oil in a food processor or blender. Purée until onion is very fine. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk in olive oil.
  • Rinse and dry the watercress. In a large bowl, season watercress with salt and pepper and toss with the dressing. Arrange cheese and fruit on four salad plates and top with watercress.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 468, UnsaturatedFat 32 grams, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fat 42 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 490 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 0 grams

WILTED WATERCRESS SALAD



Wilted Watercress Salad image

When I was a girl growing up in Iowa, our whole family picked watercress. I modified my sister's recipe for spinach with hot bacon dressing to come up with this lovely, satisfying salad. The sweet dressing and crunchy bacon pieces really dress up plain watercress. It is a treat.-Judith Saeugling, Sun City, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

6 cups watercress
4 green onions, thinly sliced
5 bacon strips
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, toss watercress and onions; set aside. In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon; crumble and add to watercress mixture. To the drippings, add brown sugar, vinegar, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce; bring to a boil. Pour over salad and toss to coat; serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

WATERCRESS, AVOCADO AND ORANGE SALAD



Watercress, Avocado and Orange Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Soak 1/4 thinly sliced red onion in cold water, about 10 minutes. Whisk 1/4 cup orange juice, the juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 teaspoons dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl. Whisk in 3 tablespoons olive oil. Drain the onion; toss with 2 bunches watercress, 2 sliced avocados, 2 segmented oranges and the dressing. Top with chopped toasted hazelnuts.

GRILLED POTATO SALAD WITH WATERCRESS, GREEN ONIONS, AND BLUE CHEESE VINAIGRETTE



Grilled Potato Salad with Watercress, Green Onions, and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     Salad     Potato     Side     Summer     Grill/Barbecue     Bon Appétit     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 cup Sherry wine vinegar
1 large shallot, chopped
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
12 medium red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled (about 2 3/4 pounds)
Additional olive oil
2 bunches watercress, stems trimmed
3 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • Combine vinegar, shallot, and mustard in medium bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Mix in cheese. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until almost tender, about 16 minutes. Drain; cool completely. Cut potatoes into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Brush rounds on both sides with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Arrange watercress on platter. Grill potatoes until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
  • Mound warm potatoes atop watercress; sprinkle with green onions. Spoon vinaigrette over potatoes.

WATERCRESS, ORANGE AND RED ONION SALAD



Watercress, Orange and Red Onion Salad image

This salad was found on the Culinary Cafe site. It's refreshing...and has some of my favorite ingredients in it!!

Provided by katie in the UP

Categories     Citrus

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 oranges (I used Blood Oranges)
1 bunch watercress
1/2 red onion, medium-sized
2 1/2 fl oz extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • Slice away the tops and bottoms of oranges. Cutting from top to bottom, following the curve of the orange, slice away the peel and white pith.
  • Slice between the membranes of the orange segments. Remove the segments. Squeeze the juice from the membrane, and reserve.
  • Wash watercress thoroughly in cold water. Thinly slice the onion half and soak it in cold water; a brief soaking removes harsh, bitter flavors.
  • Combine the olive oil, vinegar, and orange juice in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; season with salt and pepper. Shake vigorously.
  • Drain the watercress and onion. Combine them with the orange segments, and vinaigrette; toss well to evenly coat.
  • Divide among salad plates and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 37.9, Fat 0.1, Sodium 293.8, Carbohydrate 9.3, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 6.7, Protein 0.9

WATERCRESS AND ENDIVE SALAD



Watercress and Endive Salad image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories     easy, quick, weekday, salads and dressings, appetizer, side dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 large bunch watercress
2 heads Belgian endive
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Cut off the tough stems of the watercress and discard.
  • Cut off the end of the endive and cut the head into bite-size pieces.
  • Rinse watercress and endive and drain or spin dry. Put in a salad bowl.
  • Put the lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Using a wire whisk, beat in the oil. Pour the dressing over the salad greens and toss.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 101, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 181 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams

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

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.

POTATO AND WATERCRESS SALAD



Potato and Watercress Salad image

Provided by Jacques Pepin

Categories     weekday, salads and dressings

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes
2 bunches watercress
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1/3 cup peanut oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Remove and discard eyes and any damaged parts of potatoes, but do not peel them. Rinse well under cold water, place in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil over high heat; then, reduce heat to medium. Boil gently until potatoes are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Drain any water from the potatoes, and spread them out in a gratin dish to cool. When cool enough to handle, cut the unpeeled potatoes into 1/2-inch slices. Spread the slices out in a single layer, so they are less likely to break, in the gratin dish.
  • Trim the watercress stems, removing about 2 inches, and set the trimmings aside for a soup, perhaps. Wash the trimmed watercress and dry thoroughly. There should be about 4 cups.
  • Mix the remaining ingredients together in a bowl large enough to hold the finished salad. Do not worry if these dressing ingredients separate. The mixture should not be emulsified.
  • At serving time, add the potatoes and watercress to the dressing in the bowl, and toss lightly but thoroughly. Serve immediately, as the watercress tends to wilt quickly once it is combined with the dressing.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 194, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 393 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BEET SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE, WATERCRESS AND SHALLOT THYME DRESSING



Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, Watercress and Shallot Thyme Dressing image

Beets are so humble. They may look funny raw but they're really diamonds in the rough. Their incredible color and flavor never cease to astound me. I dress the beets up with complementary ingredients that serve to make their flavor shine without overpowering. Beets are special and should be the only star on the stage.

Provided by Dave Lieberman

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h5m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 medium or 12 small beets
1/3 cup olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
Leaves from about 10 sprigs thyme
3 good pinches salt
10 grinds fresh black pepper
1 large bunch watercress
4 tablespoons cold goat cheese

Steps:

  • Cook beets in water to cover until tender, about 40 to 45 minutes. Drain the beets and set aside to cool.
  • For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, shallot, half the lemon juice, the thyme, salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • While the beets are cooling, wash the watercress and trim the thicker stems from the leaves. Spread the trimmed watercress out over some paper towels to dry.
  • When the beets are cool enough to handle, use a paring knife to peel off the beets skins, they should come off very easily.
  • Cut the beets into quarters lengthwise and then those pieces in half crosswise.
  • Place the beets and watercress in separate bowls. Divide the dressing between the 2 bowls. Toss the watercress and beets until evenly coated with the dressing.
  • Spread the watercress out on a serving platter to make a bed for the beets. Crumble the cold cheese into the beets and toss gently. Spread the beets over the bed of watercress and sprinkle with remaining lemon juice. Serve immediately.

ENDIVE WATERCRESS SALAD



Endive Watercress Salad image

Two kinds of greens and cucumber and orange slices are coated with a light ginger dressing in this recipe.-Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 35m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

10 cups watercress
4 cups thinly sliced Belgian endive
3 medium navel oranges, peeled and sliced
1 medium cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
10 slices red onion, separated into rings
DRESSING:
2/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Divide watercress and endive among 10 salad plates. Arrange the oranges, cucumber and onion over salad greens. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine dressing ingredients; shake well. Drizzle over salads.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 226 calories, Fat 21g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 186mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

SMOKED SALMON & WATERCRESS SALAD WITH RED ONION-CAPER VINAIGRETTE



Smoked Salmon & Watercress Salad With Red Onion-Caper Vinaigrette image

Start with a salad of smoked salmon and watercress. Try to buy the commercial bagged watercress that already has been cleaned to speed things along, or you may substitute other mixed salad greens. (I like to make sure there are some bitter ones, such as radicchio and arugula, along with milder greens, such as butter lettuce or baby spinach.) Also, because this is such a simple salad, all the ingredients should be top-quality. So spring for the best smoked salmon you can find.

Provided by Ben S.

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup drained capers
½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
8 cups watercress (preferably the kind that's already trimmed, rinsed, bagged)
6 ounces smoked salmon, torn or cut into bite-size pieces

Steps:

  • Mix lemon juice, vinegar, mustard and a big pinch of salt and pepper to taste in a 1-quart Pyrex measuring cup. Add capers and onion; toss to coat. Slowly add oil, pushing onion aside and beating with a small whisk or fork to form a thick dressing.
  • Mix watercress and half the salmon in a large bowl. When ready to serve, pour dressing over watercress and salmon; toss to coat. Arrange on salad plates, garnishing each with remaining smoked salmon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161.7 calories, Carbohydrate 2.2 g, Cholesterol 4.9 mg, Fat 15 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 4.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 500.6 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

WATERCRESS AND ENDIVE SALAD WITH PEARS AND ROQUEFORT



Watercress and Endive Salad With Pears and Roquefort image

Pears go wonderfully with all types of blue cheese, whether Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola or an American blue such as Maytag.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     easy, quick, weekday, salads and dressings

Time 10m

Yield Serves four

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large, ripe but firm Comice or Bartlett pear
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons pecans 1 ounce, lightly toasted
1 bunch watercress, trimmed about 4 ounces
2 endives, broken into leaves
2 ounces Roquefort, Stilton or another blue cheese, crumbled
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon sherry or Champagne vinegar
1/2 to 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, to taste
Salt
freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon walnut oil

Steps:

  • Peel, core and thinly slice the pear. Cut the slices in half so they're not too long. Toss with the lime juice.
  • Combine the pears, pecans, watercress, endive, blue cheese and tarragon in a large bowl. Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, olive oil and walnut oil. Toss with the salad, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 231, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 319 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CUBAN AVOCADO, WATERCRESS, AND PINEAPPLE SALAD (ENSALADA DE AGUACATE, BERRO, Y PIñA)



Cuban Avocado, Watercress, and Pineapple Salad (Ensalada de Aguacate, Berro, y Piña) image

Provided by Maricel Presilla

Categories     Salad     Side     Christmas     Lunch     Tropical Fruit     Pineapple     Avocado     Watercress     Vegan     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 bunches watercress
One 2 1/2-pound pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into four 1-inch-thick slices
1 tablespoon sugar
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar or fresh lime juice
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large Florida (West Indian) avocado or 2 Hass avocados
1 small red onion (5 ounces) thinly slivered lengthwise

Steps:

  • Preparing the Watercress
  • Place the watercress in a colander and rinse under cold running water to remove any grit or sand. Discard any yellowing leaves and remove the tough stems; for this salad, you want only the leaves and tender stems. Pat dry with paper towels and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  • Broiling the Pineapple
  • Preheat the broiler. Place the pineapple slices on a baking pan and sprinkle the sugar evenly on top of them. Broil about 4 inches from the heat source, turning once, for 10 minutes on each side, until lightly golden brown. Let cool, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
  • Preparing the Dressing
  • Place the garlic, olive oil, vinegar or lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Taste for seasoning. Set aside.
  • Peeling the Avocado
  • Cut the avocado(s) lengthwise in half around the pit and remove the pit. Place the avocado halves cut side down on the work surface and slice lengthwise into 1-inch-wide wedges. Peel each segment by hand or with a paring knife, and cut into 1-inch cubes.
  • Assembling the Salad
  • Place the watercress in a medium bowl and toss with half the dressing. Arrange on a large platter.
  • Add the pineapple and avocado to the same bowl and toss with the rest of the dressing. Mound the pineapple and avocado over the bed of watercress. Garnish with the slivers of red onion and serve immediately.

WATERCRESS SALAD WITH WARM VINAIGRETTE



Watercress Salad with Warm Vinaigrette image

Categories     Salad     Mustard     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Salad Dressing     Honey     Shallot     Watercress     Gourmet

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 tablespoons minced shallot
2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 1/2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 bunches of watercress, coarse stems discarded and the tender sprigs rinsed and spun dry (about 9 cups packed loosely)

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan whisk together the shallot, the mustard, the honey, the vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste, add the oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the dressing until it is emulsified. Heat the dressing over moderately low heat, whisking occasionally, until it is hot and in a bowl toss it with the watercress.

SPICY WATERCRESS SALAD



Spicy Watercress Salad image

Spicy watercress salad.

Provided by Herbivore

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cucumber, chopped
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
½ red onion, roughly chopped
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 dash hot pepper sauce
2 bunches watercress, stems removed

Steps:

  • Combine cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and hot pepper sauce in a bowl.
  • Place watercress on a serving platter or bowl. Pour cucumber mixture over watercress.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 82.7 calories, Carbohydrate 10.4 g, Fat 3.8 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 286.3 mg, Sugar 6.1 g

CUCUMBER WATERCRESS SALAD



Cucumber Watercress Salad image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 English (European) seedless cucumber, diced
1 1/2 cups watercress leaves, the yield of a healthy bundle from the market
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons white vinegar
3 tablespoons cold water
3 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
Coarse salt

Steps:

  • Combine cucumbers and watercress in a large bowl. Whisk the honey, vinegar, and water together. Pour over salad and toss well to combine. Season with dill and salt and toss salad again.

Tips:

  • Opt for fresh watercress: Choose vibrant green, crisp watercress bunches with no signs of wilting or yellowing.
  • Wash watercress properly: To remove dirt and potential bacteria, rinse watercress thoroughly under cold running water. Use a salad spinner to dry the leaves effectively.
  • Chop watercress just before serving: To preserve its delicate flavor and texture, chop watercress just before adding it to the salad.
  • Combine with other salad greens: Feel free to mix watercress with other salad greens like baby spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce for a more varied texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with dressings: From classic vinaigrette to tangy citrus-based dressings or creamy options like Caesar dressing, the choice is yours. Experiment until you find a dressing that complements the flavors in your salad.
  • Add nuts and seeds: Enhance the salad's texture and nutritional value by incorporating nuts like walnuts or almonds and seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
  • Consider adding fruits: For a sweet and refreshing twist, add fruits like berries, sliced peaches, or segments of citrus fruits.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When sautéing watercress, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and prevent wilting.
  • Add watercress to stir-fries: Incorporate watercress into stir-fries towards the end of the cooking process to retain its crunch and bright flavor.
  • Garnish with watercress: Use watercress sprigs as a colorful and flavorful garnish for soups, salads, and main courses.

Conclusion:

Watercress is a versatile and nutritious leafy green that adds a peppery kick and a refreshing crunch to various dishes. Its unique flavor profile and health benefits make it a welcome addition to salads, sandwiches, soups, stir-fries, and even smoothies. The next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful ingredient to elevate your meals, reach for watercress. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy the culinary delights this amazing plant has to offer.

Related Topics