Watercress, Orange & Feta Salad
This vibrant Watercress, Orange & Feta Salad offers a delightful interplay of peppery watercress, sweet and juicy orange segments, and salty crumbled feta, all brought together by a bright lemon vinaigrette. It's a refreshing no-cook dish perfect for any occasion.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Set aside.
Prepare the Watercress: Gently wash the fresh watercress under cold running water. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels or use a salad spinner. Trim off any thick, tough stems, leaving the tender leaves and smaller stems.
Segment the Oranges: Using a sharp knife, slice off the top and bottom of each orange. Stand the orange on one end and carefully cut away the peel and white pith following the curve of the fruit. Then, working over a bowl to catch juices, carefully slice between the membranes to release individual orange segments.
Chop Walnuts: Roughly chop the walnut halves into smaller pieces for better distribution and texture in the salad.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange the prepared watercress evenly on a large serving platter or in a wide salad bowl.
Add Toppings: Scatter the orange segments, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts over the bed of watercress.
Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the lemon vinaigrette generously over the salad. Toss gently if desired, or serve as is, allowing guests to mix. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Thoroughly Dry Greens: Ensure the watercress is completely dry after washing; excess water will dilute the dressing and make the leaves soggy.
- 2Segment Oranges Properly: Taking the time to properly segment the oranges (supremes) removes the bitter pith and membranes, resulting in a more pleasant texture and pure citrus flavor.
- 3Toast Walnuts for Flavor: For an enhanced nutty flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool before adding to the salad.
- 4Dress Just Before Serving: To prevent the watercress from wilting and to maintain its crisp texture, always dress the salad immediately before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken breast, pan-seared shrimp, or crumbled goat cheese for a heartier meal.
Nut & Seed SwapNut & Seed Swap
Substitute pecans, pistachios, or sunflower seeds for walnuts, or add a mix for more texture.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Incorporate fresh mint or dill leaves for an extra layer of aromatic freshness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Watercress is packed with vitamins K, A, and C, supporting bone health, vision, and immune function.
Antioxidant Power
Oranges provide a significant dose of Vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Healthy Fats
Walnuts contribute omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health and brain function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the lemon vinaigrette can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake well before using.
