Watercress and Radish Salad Recipe
Watercress and Radish Salad is a fresh, colourful and nutritious salad made with peppery watercress, crisp radishes, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy toasted seeds, all tossed in a zesty homemade lemon dressing. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's the perfect healthy side dish or light meal for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl Used for gently combining all salad ingredients without bruising the delicate leaves.
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife Essential for slicing vegetables cleanly and evenly.
- 1 Chopping Board Provides a safe and hygienic surface for preparing the ingredients.
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl Perfect for whisking together the homemade lemon dressing.
- 1 Balloon Whisk or Fork: Helps blend the dressing until smooth and well emulsified.
- 1 Avocado Knife or Spoon: Makes removing avocado flesh simple while keeping neat slices.
- 2 Salad Servers: Allow you to toss and serve the salad gently without crushing the vegetables.
- 2 Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons: Ensure accurate quantities for perfectly balanced flavours every time.
Ingredients
- 200 g Fresh Watercress: The star ingredient. Watercress offers a slightly peppery flavour and tender leaves packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
- 10 Medium Radishes Thinly Sliced: Radishes provide satisfying crunch, attractive colour and a pleasantly peppery bite.
- 1 Large Cucumber Thinly Sliced: Adds refreshing moisture and balances the stronger flavours of the watercress and radishes.
- 2 Ripe Avocados Diced: Brings creamy richness that perfectly complements the crisp vegetables.
- ½ Small Red Onion Finely Sliced: Adds gentle sweetness with a slight sharpness that enhances the salad.
- 200 g Cherry Tomatoes Halved: Sweet, juicy tomatoes brighten the salad with colour and flavour.
- 60 g Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Introduce a delicious nutty crunch while providing healthy fats and minerals.
- 30 g Sunflower Seeds: Add additional texture and nutritional value.
- 75 g Crumbled Feta Cheese Optional: Offers a creamy, slightly salty finish that pairs beautifully with the vegetables.
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Dill: Delivers delicate herbal freshness.
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped: Adds colour and a clean, earthy flavour.
For The Lemon Dressing
- 4 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the smooth base of the dressing.
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides bright citrus flavour.
- 1 Teaspoon Honey: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness.
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding subtle depth.
- ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt: Enhances every ingredient.
- ¼ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth.
- 1 Small Garlic Clove Finely Grated: Gives the dressing a delicate savoury kick.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Vegetables
- Wash the watercress thoroughly under cold running water.
- Remove any thick or tough stems.
- Spin or pat the leaves completely dry using a clean kitchen towel.
- Rinse the radishes, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs.
- Slice the radishes and cucumber into thin, even rounds.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Finely slice the red onion.
- Roughly chop the parsley and dill.
Dry leaves allow the dressing to coat the salad evenly without becoming watery.
Step 2: Prepare The Avocados
- Cut each avocado in half.
- Remove the stones carefully.
- Scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
- Dice into bite-sized cubes.
- Sprinkle lightly with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning.
Choose avocados that are ripe but still slightly firm, so they hold their shape when tossed.
Step 3: Toast The Seeds
- Heat a dry frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
- Stir continuously for 3–5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.
Don't leave the seeds unattended, as they can burn quickly once they begin to toast.
Step 4: Make The Lemon Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Grated garlic
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Whisk vigorously until smooth, glossy and fully emulsified.
Taste the dressing before using it. Add a little extra lemon juice for more zing or a drizzle of honey for a sweeter finish.
Step 5: Assemble The Salad
- Place the watercress into a large salad bowl.
Add:
- Sliced radishes
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Chopped herbs
- Diced avocado
- Pour over about three-quarters of the dressing.
- Toss gently using salad servers until everything is evenly coated.
Toss gently to keep the avocado cubes intact and the watercress fresh.
Step 6: Add The Finishing Touches
- Scatter the toasted pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds over the top.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta, if using.
- Drizzle over the remaining dressing.
- Finish with a few extra sprigs of fresh dill or parsley for an attractive presentation.
Add the seeds just before serving to keep them wonderfully crunchy.
Step 7: Serve And Enjoy
- Transfer the salad to a large serving platter or individual bowls.
- Serve immediately while the vegetables are crisp and the dressing is fresh.
- Pair with grilled meats, seafood or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Chilling the serving bowl for 15 minutes beforehand helps keep the salad cool and refreshing on warm days.
Notes
🥬 Use the freshest watercress you can find for the best peppery flavour and tender, crisp leaves.
🌸 Choose firm, brightly coloured radishes to add a satisfying crunch and vibrant colour to the salad.
💧 Wash and dry all the vegetables thoroughly before assembling the salad to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
🥑 Dice the avocado just before serving and toss it with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning.
🌰 Lightly toast the pumpkin and sunflower seeds to bring out their rich, nutty flavour and irresistible crunch.
🍋 Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the homemade dressing a brighter, fresher taste than bottled juice.
🧀 Add the feta cheese and toasted seeds just before serving to keep the Watercress and Radish Salad crisp and full of texture.
🥗 Gently toss the salad with the dressing to avoid bruising the delicate watercress leaves and avocado.
❄️ Chill the salad bowl and ingredients for 10–15 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing, restaurant-quality salad.
🌿 Feel free to customise the Watercress and Radish Salad with grilled chicken, salmon, prawns, chickpeas or seasonal vegetables to turn it into a satisfying main meal.
🍽️ Watercress and Radish Salad is best enjoyed immediately after dressing to preserve its fresh flavours, vibrant colours and crisp texture.