Watercress, Orange & Feta Salad
A bright, peppery salad that comes together in minutes. Crisp watercress and sweet orange segments are tossed with creamy, salty feta and a simple lemon dressing. It is fresh, light, and works as a side for grilled meats or as a standalone lunch.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prepare the oranges.
Slice off the top and bottom of each orange. Stand it on a cut side and slice away the peel and white pith, following the curve of the fruit. Hold the peeled orange over a bowl and cut between the membranes to release the segments. Set segments aside.
TIPCatch the juice that drips while segmenting — you can whisk it into the dressing. - mix · ~1 min
Make the dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice.2.Season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Whisk until the dressing looks slightly creamy and combined. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the salad.
1.Spread the washed watercress on a large serving platter or in a wide salad bowl.2.Scatter the thinly sliced red onion over the leaves.3.Arrange the orange segments evenly on top.4.Crumble the feta cheese over everything.5.Drizzle the dressing all over the salad. - serve
Serve immediately.
Give the salad a gentle toss at the table just before serving, or serve as is with the components visibly layered.
TIPWatercress is delicate and wilts quickly after dressing — do not toss until the very last moment.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry watercress leaves thoroughly after washing so the dressing clings properly.
- 2Segment oranges over a bowl to catch juice; use it in the dressing for extra citrus punch.
- 3Slice red onion paper-thin and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow its bite.
- 4Add feta just before serving to keep its creamy texture and avoid it crumbling too much.
- 5Toss the salad gently at the table — watercress wilts quickly once dressed.
- 6For a milder flavor, use a mandoline to slice the red onion evenly.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 100g of grilled chicken breast or chickpeas to turn this light salad into a filling meal, boosting protein without overpowering the fresh flavors.
veganVegan
Replace feta with marinated tofu cubes or a sprinkle of toasted almonds and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, protein-rich version.
low carbLow-carb
Skip the orange segments and use sliced radishes and a dash of orange zest for a similar sweet-tart punch with far fewer carbs.
nutty crunchNutty crunch
Add 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra texture and a nutty flavor that complements the feta and orange.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Oranges provide a generous dose of immune-supporting vitamin C, and watercress adds additional vitamin C along with antioxidants.
Good Source of Calcium
Feta cheese contributes calcium for strong bones and teeth, making this salad a tasty way to support bone health.
Low-Calorie & Nutrient-Dense
Watercress is extremely low in calories yet packed with vitamins A, K, and iron, perfect for a light, nourishing meal.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra-virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can substitute arugula for a similar peppery bite, or baby spinach for a milder flavor — but watercress gives the most authentic peppery punch.
