close up of a vibrant watercress and orange salad with a light vinaigrette

Clean food

clean watercress and orange salad (spring awakening)

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

02 Oct 2025

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I remember the first time I tried watercress. It was at a small farmers market, nestled among vibrant greens and sun-ripened tomatoes. The farmer handed me a sprig, and the peppery bite was an unexpected, delightful surprise. Since then, I've been obsessed with finding ways to showcase its unique flavor. What a day that was, makes you think about fresh ingredients and eating better, doesn't it?. This salad, my friends, is the culmination of that journey. It's simple, elegant, and bursting with fresh flavors – a true celebration of spring. A memory that I will never forget! And I hope you will too!
Watercress being harvested in a small local farm, selective focus
This salad isn't just about taste, it's also about feeling good. Watercress is packed with vitamins and minerals, and oranges are a fantastic source of Vitamin C. It's a combination that’s both delicious and incredibly good for you. I think that sometimes we don't think about how amazing it is to put good ingredients into our bodies, it's important!. The light vinaigrette adds a touch of tang without weighing things down. I made a mistake the first time and used balsamic, that was a bit much! I think I'll stick to my own recipe! What’s not to love?
Close up of orange slices being arranged on top of a watercress salad
What makes this salad truly special is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your liking, adding toasted nuts for crunch, crumbled cheese for richness, or even grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. I'm thinking of adding some grilled salmon one day!. Play around with different citrus fruits, like grapefruit or blood oranges, to change the flavor profile. The point is to make it your own and enjoy the process. Do you ever think that food should be enjoyed and not feared, I do!. So, grab your watercress and oranges, and let's get started!
Overhead shot of the completed watercress and orange salad with optional toppings like nuts and cheese arranged around it.

Required Equipments

  • Salad Spinner
  • Sharp Knife
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large Bowl

Clean Watercress and Orange Salad (Spring Awakening): Frequently Asked Questions

Clean Watercress and Orange Salad (Spring Awakening)

This Clean Watercress & Orange Salad is a burst of spring in every bite, combining peppery watercress with sweet, juicy oranges and a light, tangy vinaigrette. It's the perfect refreshing dish for a light lunch or a vibrant side to any meal.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Wash the Watercress: Gently wash the watercress under cold running water. Be sure to remove any wilted leaves or tough stems. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Getting rid of the excess water will stop your salad from getting soggy!
  2. Prepare the Oranges: Using a sharp knife, remove the peel and pith from the oranges. Segment the oranges by slicing between the membranes. Collect any juice that escapes while segmenting; you'll use it in the vinaigrette. Make sure you have a sharp knife for this task!.
  3. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice (collected from segmenting), lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Everyone has different preferences, so adjust the ingredients to your taste.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the watercress and orange segments. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, using only enough to lightly coat the greens and oranges. Toss gently to combine. Be sure to not add too much dressing!
  5. Optional Additions: If desired, add toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch, crumbled goat cheese or feta for richness, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Get creative and make it your own!. I personally love adding some red pepper flakes!
  6. Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately to prevent the watercress from wilting. If you're preparing it ahead of time, keep the watercress and oranges separate from the vinaigrette and toss just before serving. If you don't serve it right away it may become soggy!.
  7. Enjoy!: Take a bite and savor the vibrant flavors of spring! This salad is best enjoyed fresh, when the watercress is crisp and the oranges are juicy. Ahh, beautiful!

📝 Notes

    🍎 Nutrition

    Calories: 220 kcal

    Protein: 4 g

    Fat: 15 g

    Carbohydrates: 20 g

    Fiber: 3 g

    Calcium: 60 mg

    A salad is never wrong. It is a fresh start, a celebration of seasons, and a dance of flavors on your palate.

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