Looking for a vibrant and refreshing salad that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Look no further than this Watercress and Mushroom Salad! Bursting with fresh flavors and a delightful crunch, this salad is the perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning dish that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Ready to dive into the world of crisp watercress, earthy mushrooms, and zesty dressing? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups watercress, cleaned
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Rinse the watercress thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
- Next, clean the mushrooms. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe off any dirt. Slice the mushrooms thinly and set aside.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Aim for very thin slices to ensure a mild flavor and pleasant texture in the salad.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cleaned watercress, sliced mushrooms, and red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients without bruising the watercress.
- In a small bowl or jar, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to coat the watercress, mushrooms, and red onion evenly with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the taste of the salad.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or dressing if needed.
- Serve the salad immediately, garnished with additional watercress or freshly cracked pepper if desired. Enjoy your refreshing watercress and mushroom salad!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great salad is using the freshest ingredients possible. Look for vibrant, crisp watercress and firm mushrooms to elevate your dish.
- Prep Ahead: You can wash and slice the vegetables ahead of time. Just keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to toss the salad for a quick and easy meal.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with different oils or vinegars for the dressing. A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of garlic can add an extra layer of flavor!
- Add Texture: For added crunch, consider tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or sunflower seeds.
- Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for a few minutes after dressing will help the flavors meld together beautifully, making every bite even more delicious.
- Serve Chilled: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your salad in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish for Appeal: A sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper or a few extra leaves of watercress on top can make your salad look even more appetizing.With these tips, you’ll create a Watercress and Mushroom Salad that’s not only delightful to eat but also a feast for the eyes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
