Watercress Salad With Creamy Garlic Dressing
A fresh and vibrant watercress salad featuring creamy garlic dressing, crisp cucumber, and grated carrot, perfect for light lunches or healthy side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons water, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Cut stems from the watercress and set aside.
- Peel the cucumber, remove seeds, and slice.
- Peel and grate the carrot.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the watercress, cucumber, and carrot, then toss gently to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you prefer a bit more zing, add a dash of Dijon mustard to the dressing. Ensure the garlic is fresh and finely minced for the best flavor. If you like a crunchy texture, add some toasted nuts or seeds. This salad can also be made vegan by using a plant-based mayonnaise.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch or dinner. You can also serve it alongside a hearty soup, such as Canning Vegetable Soup, for a comforting meal. For a more substantial dish, consider adding quinoa or chickpeas to the salad for added protein and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can also be stored separately for up to a week. To refresh the salad before serving, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil. Avoid reheating the salad, as it is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Watercress Salad With Creamy Garlic Dressing contains roughly 186 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (95% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 701mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the creamy garlic dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly when chilled. This allows the flavors to meld wonderfully, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
What other vegetables can I add to the salad?
You can customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes for extra crunch and color. Shredded carrots also make a great addition, providing both sweetness and texture. Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables for the best results.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is ideal for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting. Prepare the vegetables and store them in an airtight container, then toss with the dressing right before serving for maximum freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).