Watercress and Orange Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing green salad featuring watercress's peppery bite and orange segments, dressed in a bright, tangy vinaigrette. This french-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs watercress, navel oranges, white wine vinegar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Serves 2 French cuisine 150 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Kitchen tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Separate 4 oz watercress into tender leaves, discarding tough stems; rinse and pat dry with a clean towel.
  2. Step 2: Peel 2 navel oranges and slice into 1/4-inch segments, removing any visible membranes.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1/2 tsp honey in a small bowl until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Arrange watercress on a plate, top with orange segments, and drizzle with vinaigrette; toss gently before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Watercress and Orange Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Watercress and Orange Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep watercress from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Watercress and Orange Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Watercress and Orange Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Watercress and Orange Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

French salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes