Watercress Salad Recipe With Tomato And Cucumber
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If you’re looking for a fresh and healthy salad that’s packed with flavor, this Watercress Salad with Tomato and Cucumber is the perfect choice! The crisp watercress, juicy tomatoes, and refreshing cucumbers come together in a light balsamic dressing for a simple yet delicious dish. Whether you serve it as a side salad or enjoy it on its own, this nutrient-packed recipe is a great way to add more greens to your meals!
Watercress is a tender salad green with small and pretty leaves, and it’s very tasty and healthy. If you never tried watercress, you must give it a try – it has a very mild taste that’s universally pleasing, and it looks so nice that it transforms an ordinary salad into a gourmet dish!
Why You’ll Love Watercress Salad With Tomato And Cucumber
- Light And Refreshing – The combination of crisp watercress, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers makes this salad incredibly refreshing and hydrating. It’s perfect for warm days or when you need a fresh, healthy side dish.
- Quick And Easy – With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this salad ready in just 3 minutes! It’s great for busy days when you want something healthy without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Super Nutritious – Watercress is a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants, making this salad an excellent choice for boosting your health. It has more vitamin C than an orange and more calcium than milk!
- Pairs Well With Any Meal – This salad is versatile and complements a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to sandwiches or even a simple bowl of soup. It adds a fresh, crisp contrast to hearty meals.
- Naturally Vegan And Gluten-Free – Whether you’re following a plant-based diet or looking for a naturally gluten-free dish, this salad checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s low in calories and perfect for a light, guilt-free meal!
Watercress is extremely nutritious and full of anti-oxidants – it’s a true superfood. I buy packaged watercress by B&W Gourmet Farms brand in Whole Foods, and here’s some interesting information about watercress from the package: “What makes watercress so super? Once for ounce, watercress has more vitamin C than an orange and more calcium than whole milk. Watercress is packed with beta-carotene and vitamin A, and it is a better source of vitamins C, B1, B6, K, E, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc and Potassium than apples, broccoli and tomatoes. It is among the most nutrient dense vegetables known to man.”
Here’s the nutritional information of watercress (per 3 oz serving) – 9 calories, zero fat, zero cholesterol, 34 mg sodium, 0.8 g carb, 1.8 g protein, 80% vitamin A, 10% calcium, 61% vitamin C, 266% vitamin K, 8% potassium. So enjoy this yummy super-healthy green!
Watercress Salad Recipe With Tomato And Cucumber
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups watercress – The star of this salad! Watercress is a tender, leafy green packed with vitamins and has a mild, peppery taste.
- 1 tomato – Adds juiciness and natural sweetness, balancing the slight peppery flavor of the watercress.
- 1 small cucumber – Refreshing and crisp, cucumber gives the salad a satisfying crunch.
- 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil – A light drizzle enhances the flavor and brings all the ingredients together.
- 1 /2 tsp balsamic vinegar – Adds a subtle tanginess that complements the fresh vegetables.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Adds a subtle tanginess that complements the fresh vegetables.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Watercress Salad With Tomato And Cucumber
- Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for chopping the tomato and cucumber.
- Knife – Needed to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Mixing Bowl – Used to toss the watercress with the dressing.
- Measuring Spoons – For accurately measuring the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Instructions How To Make Watercress Salad
- Chop the tomato.
- Peel and chop the cucumber.
- Sprinkle chopped tomato and cucumber with salt and pepper to taste.
- Put watercress in the bowl and toss with oil and vinegar.
- Put watercress on a plate and top with tomato and cucumber pieces.
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Here’s the picture of the watercress package:
Another yummy gourmet green lettuce that you need to check out is mache lettuce – see mache lettuce salad recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this salad as a light appetizer before a main course to refresh your palate.
- Pair it with Juicy Grilled Skinless Chicken Thighs, Butter Herb Baked Fish in Foil, or Crispy & Juicy New York Strip Steak in the Air Fryer for a healthy and balanced meal.
- Enjoy it alongside a bowl of Vegan Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Greens or a Crispy Grilled Turkey and Cheese Sandwich for a simple yet satisfying lunch.
- Sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Add a handful of Crunchy Roasted Walnuts or Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds for a crunchy texture and added nutrition.
Tips For Success
- Use Fresh Watercress – Since watercress is the star of this salad, make sure to use fresh, vibrant greens. Look for leaves that are deep green and free from wilting or yellowing. If your watercress has thick stems, you can trim them for a more delicate texture.
- Chop Ingredients Evenly – For the best texture and presentation, chop the tomatoes and cucumbers into similar-sized pieces. This ensures that each bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
- Adjust The Seasoning To Taste – Salt and pepper can enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed to suit your taste.
- Toss Gently – Watercress is a delicate green, so be gentle when mixing it with the dressing. A light toss will coat the leaves without bruising them.
- Serve Immediately – This salad tastes best when freshly made, as the watercress can wilt over time. If prepping in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
Variations And Substitutions
- Swap The Greens – If you can’t find watercress, try using arugula or baby spinach for a similar peppery flavor and tender texture.
- Add More Crunch – For extra texture, toss in some sliced radishes, bell peppers, or toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- Make It Creamy – Add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or even diced avocado for a creamy and rich twist.
- Boost The Protein – Turn this salad into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs.
- Try A Different Dressing – Swap balsamic vinegar for lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or a light vinaigrette to switch up the flavors.
Storage And Reheating
- Storing Leftovers – This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the watercress may wilt slightly as it sits.
- Keeping It Fresh – To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, store the dressing separately and toss everything together just before serving.
- Refreshing The Salad – If the watercress looks wilted after storage, revive it by placing it in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes before draining and patting it dry.
- No Reheating Needed – Since this is a fresh salad, there’s no need to reheat it. Just serve it chilled or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Toss everything together just before serving to keep the watercress fresh and crisp.
What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. Each will give a slightly different tangy flavor to the salad.
Is watercress spicy?
Watercress has a mild peppery taste, similar to arugula but less intense. It adds a fresh, slightly spicy kick to the salad without being overpowering.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, radishes, red onions, or even shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes! All the ingredients in this salad are naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for a keto or low-carb diet.
Other Easy Tomato Recipes
Oven-Baked Green Tomatoes Recipe: Crispy & Healthy Snack – These crunchy, golden-baked green tomatoes are a healthier twist on the classic fried version, packed with flavor and a satisfying crisp.
Pressure Cooker Cherry Tomato Sauce: Quick & Flavorful – This rich and vibrant cherry tomato sauce comes together in minutes using a pressure cooker, making it perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping.
Fresh Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad (Caprese Style) – A simple yet elegant salad featuring juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Easy Marinated Tomato Salad With Herbs & Garlic – Fresh tomatoes soak up a tangy, garlicky marinade infused with herbs, creating a refreshing and flavorful side dish.
Other Easy Cucumber Recipes
Refreshing Cucumber Apple Slaw With Light Dressing – Crisp cucumbers and sweet apples come together in a light, tangy dressing for a crunchy, refreshing slaw that pairs well with any meal.
Low-Carb Shrimp Cucumber Avocado Bites – Perfect Appetizer – These bite-sized appetizers combine juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber for a light, keto-friendly snack or party dish.
Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Cucumber Salad Recipe – A refreshing tropical salad featuring juicy pineapple, crisp cucumber, and a zesty dressing that’s perfect for summer meals.
Watercress Salad Recipe With Tomato And Cucumber
Ingredients
- 2 cups watercress
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1 small cucumber peeled and chopped
- 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
Instructions
- Chop the tomato into bite-sized pieces.
- Peel and chop the cucumber.
- Sprinkle the chopped tomato and cucumber with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the watercress in a bowl and toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Transfer the watercress onto a plate and top with the tomato and cucumber.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of feta cheese.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
More Side Dish Recipes
- Grilled Ripe Plantains – Easy & Healthy Side Dish
- Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Hash Browns – Extra Crispy!
- Simple Boiled Baby Potatoes – Quick & Easy Side Dish
