32 Crunchy, Fresh, and Refreshing Watercress Salad Recipes for a Quick Lunch

Sandra Walker

October 20, 2025

Fresh from the garden or found in most supermarkets, watercress is a versatile ingredient that adds texture and flavor to any salad. Its unique combination of crunch and delicacy makes it a perfect choice for those looking to elevate their salads. Not only does it look great, but its taste is equally impressive. Of course, incorporating watercress into your salads can be intimidating if you’re unsure how to use it effectively.

Don’t worry – we’ve got 28 mouth-watering watercress salad recipes at the ready to inspire and guide you in discovering new ways to enjoy this nutritious ingredient. Read on!

Simple Watercress Salad With Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Simple Watercress Salad With Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Creating a dish that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters can be a challenge. However, one simple yet effective way to add some excitement to your meals is by incorporating a zesty and tangy lemon vinaigrette into your recipes. This versatile condiment pairs perfectly with leafy greens and proteins of your choice, elevating even the most mundane dishes into something truly special.

Try drizzling this refreshing sauce over your next salad or using it as a marinade for chicken or fish – the result is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Go To Recipe

Tomato, Red Onion, Watercress Feta And Olive Salad

Tomato, Red Onion, Watercress Feta And Olive Salad

Packed with vibrant colors and flavors, this salad embodies the essence of a rainbow. Perfect for scorching summer days when time is scarce, it takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for families on-the-go who struggle to find moments to cook up a substantial meal. It’s the ultimate solution for busy households looking for a quick and nutritious option.

Watercress, Bacon And Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Watercress, Bacon And Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Unveil the delight of a cheesy salad, for those who think one without is a culinary sin. The recipe is designed to please even the most die-hard cheese enthusiasts, with an abundance of it throughout. This harmonious blend of flavors will undoubtedly leave you yearning for more. And, as an added bonus, it requires only 5 minutes of preparation time and serves two people, making it a perfect option for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Watercress And Orange Salad

Watercress And Orange Salad

Keeping your taste buds cool and refreshed, orange and watercress is an unbeatable combination that will surely be a hit with you and your family in this recipe. With its ability to serve 12 people, it’s the perfect dish for a summer gathering or any occasion where you want to bring a touch of freshness to the table. Its flavors are so infused with the essence of summer that every bite is a delight.

Shrimp And Watercress Salad

Shrimp And Watercress Salad

Pairing protein-rich ingredients with fresh greens is always a winning combination, especially when it comes to a dish like this shrimp and watercress salad. The peppery flavor of the watercress perfectly complements the asparagus and succulent shrimp, making for a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s ideal for those looking for a lighter option. This recipe serves 4 people and clocks in at a remarkably low 257 calories.

Sesame Watercress Salad

Sesame Watercress Salad

Among the key ingredients that make this dish stand out is its combination of sesame seeds, peanuts, and sesame oil, which not only add flavor but also provide a boost to your protein intake. This is especially beneficial for those looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing taste or nutrition. The crunchy texture courtesy of watercress further enhances the overall dining experience, making it a true delight to savor.

Papaya And Watercress Salad With Tequila Vinaigrette

Papaya And Watercress Salad With Tequila Vinaigrette

Adding a tangy twist to this delightful salad, the incorporation of tequila vinaigrette elevates its flavors to new heights. The result is a truly refreshing creation that’s ideal for warm weather gatherings and would make an excellent centerpiece for your summer dinner party.

Watercress And Avocado Salad With Pink Grapefruit

Watercress And Avocado Salad With Pink Grapefruit

Nutritious ingredients combined with ease of preparation make this salad an ideal choice for families with varying tastes. The combination of watercress, avocado, and pink grapefruit provides a perfect blend of flavors that will delight both kids and adults alike. It takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish and serves two people, making it the perfect option for a quick and healthy meal. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try!

Watercress Salad With Prosciutto, Tangerines And Hazelnuts

Watercress Salad With Prosciutto, Tangerines And Hazelnuts

Taking center stage is this unique dish, perfect for those who crave something unconventional. A blend of various flavors combines to create a one-of-a-kind character that will leave you wanting more. With the ability to serve 8 individuals, it’s ideal for small gatherings or special occasions. The preparation time of approximately 45 minutes allows for a quick and effortless cooking experience, while its simplicity ensures that even novice cooks can achieve exceptional results.

Watercress Chopped Salad

Watercress Chopped Salad

Often, the simplest dishes are the most delightful, and that’s especially true for this watercress salad. With its crunchy texture and delicious flavor, it’s a recipe that’s hard to resist. Once you’ve allocated 10 minutes of your time, you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful creation that’s well worth the effort – trust us, you won’t regret taking the time.

Turkey And Watercress Salad

Turkey And Watercress Salad

Finding the time to prepare a nutritious meal can be challenging, but this dish is definitely worth the extra effort. It’s an excellent option as a light starter due to its simplicity and balanced flavor profile.

Duck, Mango And Watercress Salad

Duck, Mango And Watercress Salad

Giving your salad a fruity twist has never been easier. This delightful and healthy option takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick and easy meal. With only 500 calories per serving, this recipe is definitely worth trying. Whether you’re preparing lunch for work or a light summer dinner for the family, this refreshing salad is sure to be a hit. Go To Recipe

Watercress Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing

Watercress Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing

Yearning for something light and refreshing to kick-start your day? You might want to consider trying this watercress salad with a rich, warm bacon dressing. This delightful dish boasts a vibrant peppery flavor, making it the perfect choice for both breakfast and lunch recipes alike.

Quick And Easy Watercress Salad With Apples

Quick And Easy Watercress Salad With Apples

Delighting the senses with its crunchy texture and sweet flavor, adding apples to a salad recipe is a surefire way to elevate your salad game. In particular, the apple really shines in this delicious recipe, bringing a burst of freshness and natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with a variety of flavors.

To add even more depth and nutrition to this recipe, consider pairing the apples with some protein-rich ingredients like grilled chicken or quinoa, or perhaps some whole grains for added texture and fiber. Go To Recipe

Gingery Watercress And Cherry Salad

Gingery Watercress And Cherry Salad

Brimming with flavor and freshness, this delectable salad is a quick and easy delight that’s ready in just 15 minutes. The combination of sweet cherries, juicy peaches, and crunchy cashews creates an unforgettable taste experience. It’s certainly not your run-of-the-mill salad!

Gingered Salmon With Grilled Corn And Watercress Salad

Gingered Salmon With Grilled Corn And Watercress Salad

Understanding why salmon and watercress are a match made in heaven can elevate your cooking experience. The harmonious combination of flavors and textures in this recipe takes the classic pairing to new heights. This dish serves four people, making it an ideal option for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends. With only 544 calories per serving, you can indulge without feeling guilty. Go To Recipe

Spicy Watercress Salad

Spicy Watercress Salad

Regardless of the occasion or number of guests, this recipe is ideal for large groups as it serves four people comfortably. With an astonishingly low calorie count of just 83 in total, you can indulge guilt-free without compromising on flavor. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re on a calorie-reduction mission but still crave something delicious and satisfying.

Watercress And Strawberry Salad With Red Onions And Hazelnuts

Watercress And Strawberry Salad With Red Onions And Hazelnuts

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but this salad’s charm lies in its taste as much as its appearance. This seasonal summer salad is a perfect blend of fruity flavors and classic salad elements, making it a delight to devour. What’s more, it requires only about 10 minutes to prepare and serves between 2 to 4 people, making it an ideal choice for a quick and refreshing meal or side dish.

Vietnamese Beef Watercress Salad

Vietnamese Beef Watercress Salad

Vastly appealing to those who love Asian cuisine, this recipe is not only delectable but also incredibly nutritious. It’s straightforward to prepare, requiring minimal effort – simply marinate the beef, shred it up, and follow the rest of the instructions on the recipe to craft a salad that’s truly something to be proud of.

Asparagus Watercress Salad With Rotisserie Chicken

Asparagus Watercress Salad With Rotisserie Chicken

Preparation time is one of the main reasons why this dish has gained popularity, requiring only 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s astonishing how a short amount of time can result in a recipe that will be talked about for weeks and leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Furthermore, the unique combination of textures and flavors makes it an absolute delight – you’ll love every crunchy bite!

Early Spring Salad With Fennel, Watercress, Pomegranate And Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Early Spring Salad With Fennel, Watercress, Pomegranate And Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Make every spring season more vibrant with a delicious and refreshing spring salad that’s easy to prepare. This mouth-watering dish takes just 20 minutes to make and is an authentic American recipe, perfect for kicking off the warmer months in style. It’s the ideal way to give you a spring in your step and leave you feeling revitalized for the rest of the day.

End Of Summer Salad

End Of Summer Salad

Perfectly suited for the arrival of Fall, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please. The inclusion of vibrant tomatoes, crunchy corn, and peppery watercress makes it a standout recipe. Serving four people, this dish is ideal for a family dinner or special occasion. With a cooking time of approximately one hour, it’s also convenient for those with busy schedules.

Honeydew Melon And Blackberry Salad

Honeydew Melon And Blackberry Salad

Jumping straight into the world of refreshing salads, you’ll find that this honeydew melon and blackberry combination is a match made in heaven. Not only does it provide a sweet and fruity flavor profile, but its preparation time is also remarkably short, taking approximately 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it an excellent option for those with even the busiest of schedules.

Blueberry Watercress Salad

Blueberry Watercress Salad

Often, people are looking for a healthy meal option that can be prepared quickly. This recipe fits the bill perfectly as it’s not only deliciously fruity but also incredibly low in calories. Its crunchy texture and fresh ingredients make it an ideal choice for a rapid lunch solution when time is of the essence.

Roasted Oyster Mushroom And Watercress

Roasted Oyster Mushroom And Watercress

Hoping to indulge in a delicious seafood salad, look no further! This recipe boasts an impressive balance of protein-rich fish and nutrient-dense vegetables. While it may take a bit more time to prepare than some other options on this list, the end result is well worth the extra effort – the flavors that come together will leave you wanting more.

Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or want to treat yourself to a satisfying meal, this seafood salad is sure to hit the spot.

Orange Watercress Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing

Orange Watercress Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing

Elevate the flavors at your next dinner party with a refreshing summer-based salad that’s both easy to make and bursting with zest. With minimal ingredients required, this dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and scrumptiousness.

Watercress Salad

Watercress Salad

Vibrant flavors and textures come together in this simple yet delectable watercress salad. The addition of juicy orange slices, crumbled cheese, and a tangy lemon wedge give it a more interesting character than your average greens-based salad, making it truly irresistible.

Directions

When you’ve chosen a recipe that catches your eye, click on it to visit the original website. From there, carefully collect all the necessary ingredients and instructions. Once you have everything you need, simply start cooking – don’t forget to save room for dessert! And when you’re finished, be sure to leave a review of your culinary creation to help others.

Leave a Comment