Peppery Watercress Salad with LemonDijon Vinaigrette Toasted Almonds

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had a salad that just, zinged ? This watercress salad does exactly that. It's got that perfect peppery punch, balanced with bright lemon – trust me, it's addictive.

Brief Overview

Watercress has been a culinary delight since, well, forever. This easy salad recipe takes only 20 minutes and serves 4.

This is not quite a Vegan Michelin Star level food, but it is a great Side dish salad .

Main Benefits

This salad isn't just tasty. It's packed with vitamins, making it a healthy choice. It is a great Fine Dining Recipes selection.

Perfect for a light lunch or sophisticated side, it's bound to impress. It makes a perfect complement, instead of the traditional, to Grilled Fennel Salad , and it's also an ideal alternative if you want something lighter than Fennel And Orange Salad , or just an Orange Salad .

Peppery Goodness: All About Watercress Salad

This watercress salad recipe is my go-to when I need something fresh and vibrant. It is also a peppery salad

What Makes This Salad Special?

Honestly, it's the simplicity. The lemon dijon vinaigrette really elevates it. It’s a symphony of flavors. The almonds add a lovely crunch.

Ingredient Spotlight

We start with fresh watercress of course! Then we add those toasted almonds, thinly sliced red onion. And don't forget the delicious homemade dressing that makes it all come alive.

Peppery Watercress Salad with LemonDijon Vinaigrette Toasted Almonds Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:5 Mins

Servings:4

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (115g) fresh watercress, washed and trimmed
• 1/4 cup (30g) slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup (40g) thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup (40g) crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.5g) freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Instructions:

• In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the slivered almonds, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• In a large bowl, combine the watercress, red onion, and toasted almonds.
• Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat. Add the cheese (if using). Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:15g

Fiber:8g

Recipe Info

Category:Salad

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Ingredients & Equipment

So, you wanna make a bangin' watercress salad ? Sorted! This peppery salad is a breeze, even if you’re not exactly a pro chef.

We'll keep it simple, so you can knock it out of the park with minimal fuss. Let's get this show on the road.

Main Salad Ingredients

For this Easy salad recipes , here's what you'll need. Don't panic, it's mostly stuff you probably already have! We are not aiming for Vegan Michelin Star here.

• 4 ounces (115g) fresh watercress. You want the good stuff, dark green and perky, not sad and wilted.
• 1/4 cup (30g) slivered almonds. They add a lovely crunch.
• 1/4 cup (40g) thinly sliced red onion. For that little bite, you know? Optional.

I think Fennel And Orange Salad are a great combination too, but that's for another time.

Zesty Vinaigrette Ingredients

This is where the magic happens. It brings everything together, so don't skimp! The goal isn't quite a perfect Fine Dining Recipes outcome here, but the taste should be.

• 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil. The good stuff, obvs.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed only, yeah?
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard. The secret ingredient!
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) kosher salt, or to taste. Season like you mean it.
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.5g) freshly ground black pepper, or to taste. A little kick never hurt anyone.

This vinaigrette can also be used for Orange Salad too.

Seasoning Notes

The lemon dijon vinaigrette is a classic for a reason. The mustard gives it a little zing. Feel free to add a touch of honey if you like it sweet.

Don't be afraid to get creative.

For flavor enhancers, I sometimes add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives it a little something . And if you don't have Dijon, yellow mustard will do in a pinch.

The essential spice combinations are what makes the salad, so play around! The fresh ingredients are the Flavor enhancers and aromatics.

Essential Equipment

Honestly, you don't need fancy stuff. Just the basics. You do not need a sous vide .

• Small skillet. For toasting the almonds.
• Whisk. For the vinaigrette.
• Large bowl. For mixing everything together.

If you don't have a whisk, a fork works fine. Honestly, a side dish salad like this shouldn’t stress you out.

And if you are grilling, why not trying Grilled Fennel Salad .

Seriously, this watercress salad recipe is so simple. You will feel like a top chef in no time.

Let's Get Peppery: Making the Perfect Watercress Salad

Honestly, who doesn't love a good side dish salad ? This peppery salad with lemon dijon vinaigrette is my go-to when I want something light but packed with flavor.

It’s perfect with grilled salmon or even just on its own. This isn't just any salad, it's my version of a fancy fine dining recipes but made super accessible.

Let's dive in!

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Steps

First things first: mise en place. Get your 4 ounces (115g) fresh watercress washed and trimmed. Slice 1/4 cup (40g) red onion thinly.

Measure out 1/4 cup (30g) slivered almonds . This step is like getting your ducks in a row.

Now, toast those almonds. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds. Toast for about 3- 5 minutes , stirring often.

Keep a close eye on them. Burnt almonds are the saddest things, avoid that. Let them cool completely. This will take 5 minutes .

Easy Watercress Salad: Step-by-Step

Here’s the watercress salad recipe , broken down:

1. Toast the slivered almonds as mentioned above.

2. Make the vinaigrette. Whisk together 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil , 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice , 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard , 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey (optional), 1/4 teaspoon (1.

   5g) salt , and 1/8 teaspoon (0.5g) pepper .

3. In a large bowl, mix the watercress, red onion, and toasted almonds.

4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently.

5. If you're feeling fancy, add 1/4 cup (40g) crumbled feta or goat cheese.

Pro Tips for Salad Perfection

The key to a great salad is FRESH ingredients. Freshness is key . It makes a world of difference.

Also, don't dress the salad until just before serving. Nobody likes a soggy salad! You can make the vinaigrette ahead of time, though.

It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. I think it is an easy salad recipes .

Want to make it a bit more gourmet? Try grilling some fennel for a Grilled Fennel Salad . Or add some orange segments for a twist on an Orange Salad .

I have even seen it go as a Vegan Michelin Star attempt in restaurants that looks and taste pretty spectacular.

You could also swap out the Dijon for a grainy mustard. It is a very good Fennel And Orange Salad .

Seriously, this salad is so versatile. It’s like the LBD of salads. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Making Your Peppery Salad Dreams Come True

Alright, let's talk details! This watercress salad is more than just a bunch of leaves. It's about flavor, texture, and making something amazing.

I want to share my thoughts to make it even better. Honestly, I’ve messed up my fair share of salads.

Let’s avoid that, shall we?

Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters! Consider scattering the toasted almonds artistically. A little height can make a world of difference. For a fine dining vibe, use individual chilled plates.

Trust me, it elevates the whole experience. Think about this salad as your own Vegan Michelin Star creation. Pair it with some nice grilled fennel salad strips.

Storage Savior

Don't dress the salad until just before serving! Leftover watercress salad is best stored undressed. Keep the vinaigrette in a separate airtight container.

The salad itself can last for a day or two in the fridge, loosely covered. I don't recommend freezing this salad.

It would wilt.

Remixing the Recipe

Want to mix it up? For a vegetarian version, try using fennel and orange salad as a base. The orange salad adds sweetness.

A little goat cheese is chef's kiss . For a vegan option, skip the cheese and use maple syrup in the vinaigrette.

You could also try different cheeses for a new twist. Think of seasonal changes, too. A peppery salad with pears in autumn? Yes, please!

Nutrition Nuggets

This salad is full of goodness. Watercress is packed with vitamins. It’s a great source of Vitamin K and antioxidants.

Plus, almonds add healthy fats. The lemon vinaigrette is lighter than creamy dressings. This side dish salad is nutritious and delicious.

Seriously, making a fantastic salad is easier than you think. Even with these simple steps, this is a great easy salad recipes , it really can be one of the best fine dining recipes .

Have fun with it, and don't be afraid to experiment. I hope you love the Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette as much as I do!