Imagine a salad that dances on your palate with a perfect balance of crisp, tangy, and refreshing flavors – this Citrus Jicama and Watercress Salad is about to become your new obsession! Straight from the heart of Mexican cuisine, this quick and easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will transport you to a sun-drenched Mexican marketplace with every bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups watercress
- 1 cup jicama, julienned
- 1 cup grapefruit segments
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the grapefruit by carefully segmenting it, removing all membrane and white pith. Collect the segments in a large mixing bowl.
- Peel the jicama and use a sharp knife or mandoline to julienne it into thin, matchstick-like strips. Add the jicama to the bowl with grapefruit segments.
- Thoroughly wash the watercress, removing any tough stems. Pat the leaves dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp texture.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice and olive oil to create a light vinaigrette. Season with salt to taste, ensuring the dressing is well combined.
- Add the watercress leaves to the bowl with jicama and grapefruit. Gently toss the ingredients to distribute them evenly.
- Drizzle the lime-olive oil dressing over the salad, tossing carefully to coat all ingredients without bruising the delicate watercress.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Let the salad sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately in chilled salad plates, ensuring an even distribution of grapefruit, jicama, and watercress in each portion.
Tips
- Freshness is Key: Choose the freshest ingredients possible. Look for crisp watercress with bright green leaves and firm jicama that feels heavy for its size.
- Segmenting Citrus Like a Pro: When removing grapefruit segments, use a sharp paring knife and work over a bowl to catch all the delicious juices.
- Julienne Jicama Technique: For perfect matchstick-like strips, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Aim for uniform, thin cuts to ensure even texture.
- Dressing Dos: Whisk the lime juice and olive oil just before serving to maintain the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Chill your salad plates beforehand to keep the salad extra crisp and refreshing.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to prevent the watercress from wilting.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra punch, consider adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or a few drops of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
