Salmon Watercress Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette: fresh, tender, peppery watercress is tossed with an exquisite dressing and topped with roasted salmon.
Some of the Best Salad Recipes come from experimentation. I’d never tried watercress before, but it was a terrific foil for sweet berries and salmon!
Elevate Your Summer Dining with a Gourmet Salmon Watercress Salad
Transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with our vibrant Salmon Watercress Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette. This isn’t just another salad; it’s a symphony of fresh flavors and delightful textures, perfectly balancing the robust richness of roasted salmon with the crisp, peppery bite of watercress and the sweet, tangy notes of a homemade strawberry vinaigrette. Ideal for a light yet satisfying dinner, this healthy entrée salad proves that nutritious eating can be incredibly delicious and utterly refreshing, especially as the warmer months arrive. Discover how simple it is to create a gourmet dish that will impress both family and friends, making it a staple in your collection of best salad recipes.
Why This Salmon Watercress Salad is a Must-Try
Before creating this scrumptious Salmon Watercress Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette, watercress was largely off my radar unless it was incorporated into a soup. Little did I know how quickly I’d fall in love with a watercress salad! This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of fresh, thoughtfully combined ingredients. Here’s why this healthy salmon salad deserves a prime spot in your recipe rotation:
- A Perfect Harmony of Unique Flavors: The tender greens of watercress boast a distinct peppery bite, quite similar to arugula, which creates an exciting contrast. This piquant quality makes it the perfect complement to the sweet and fruity notes of the homemade strawberry salad dressing. The unexpected pairing is a delightful surprise for your palate, offering complexity in every forkful.
- Gourmet Entrée, Effortlessly Achieved: By topping this vibrant green base with a perfectly roasted piece of salmon, lightly glazed with a touch of the exquisite vinaigrette, this dish transforms into a truly fabulous and complete meal. It’s an elegant entrée salad that feels utterly gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests without stress.
- Nutrient-Rich and Guilt-Free Goodness: This vibrant combination of fresh, leafy greens, antioxidant-packed berries, and omega-3 rich salmon offers a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s a wholesome, guilt-free summer entrée that nourishes your body without ever compromising on flavor. Enjoy a light yet deeply satisfying meal that will leave you feeling energized and refreshed.
- Celebration of Seasonal Freshness: Utilizing ripe, fragrant strawberries at their peak, this salad perfectly encapsulates the essence of spring and summer. It’s a wonderful way to showcase seasonal produce, bringing bright, natural, and vibrant flavors directly to your table. The fresh ingredients shine through, creating a truly memorable culinary experience.
- Versatile and Adaptable: While perfect as described, this salad is also wonderfully adaptable. Whether you prefer your salmon warm or chilled, or wish to explore different berry variations in the vinaigrette, this recipe provides a fantastic foundation for culinary creativity. It’s a truly flexible dish that can be tailored to your preferences or what’s available seasonally.
Crafting the Signature Strawberry Vinaigrette
The secret to many of the truly best salad recipes often lies in a captivating and well-balanced dressing, and this simple berry vinaigrette is no exception. It’s the vibrant heart of our Salmon Watercress Salad. Did you know that a humble spoonful of jam or preserves can add an incredible depth of delicious sweetness and fruitiness to a salad dressing? It’s a trick I’ve utilized for years, perfecting a beloved raspberry vinaigrette. This time, however, a fresh strawberry version felt absolutely destined for the bright, inviting flavors of spring and summer.
With local markets brimming with ripe, fragrant strawberries, I knew I wanted to highlight their natural sweetness in every aspect of this dish. Not only do they form the foundation of our exquisite dressing, but fresh strawberry slices are also incorporated directly into the salad, adding bursts of juicy flavor. Complementing these are crisp, thinly sliced green onions and perfectly toasted slivered almonds, which introduce wonderful textural contrast and a subtle nutty crunch.
What makes this vinaigrette truly special is its dual purpose: it not only coats the tender watercress and fresh ingredients with its bright, tangy-sweet essence but also doubles as a fabulous glaze for the seafood. Brushing a little of this vibrant dressing over the salmon as it roasts infuses the fish with a delicate berry flavor, creating a cohesive and harmonious dining experience. This clever use of ingredients ensures that every component of this healthy salmon salad is bursting with flavor, cementing its status as one of the season’s most outstanding and wholesome entrée options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watercress & This Salad
To help you master this delicious recipe and confidently work with all its components, here are answers to some common questions about watercress and preparing your Salmon Watercress Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette.
What Exactly is Watercress and What Makes It Special?
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a leafy green vegetable that is a member of the diverse Brassicaceae family, which also includes other cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. It’s distinctive for its small, crisp, dark green leaves and slender stems. What truly sets watercress apart is its wonderfully unique flavor profile: a fresh, peppery, slightly bitter, and subtly spicy taste. This makes it an exceptional counterpoint to sweeter ingredients, such as the fresh berries in our strawberry vinaigrette. Beyond its exciting culinary applications, watercress is lauded as a superfood, packed with vitamins K, C, and A, as well as an impressive array of antioxidants and minerals. It’s celebrated for its potential health benefits, including supporting immunity, bone health, and even contributing to heart health, making it a fantastic and nutritious addition to any diet.
What Should I Look For When Selecting Watercress at the Market?
When you’re at the grocery store or a farmer’s market, choosing the freshest watercress is key to a vibrant salad. Look for bunches with leaves that are a deep, vibrant green color and appear crisp and lively, not wilted or tired. The stems should also be firm and hydrated. Avoid any watercress that has yellowing leaves, dark spots, or a slimy texture, as these are clear indicators that it’s past its prime. Fresh watercress will have a characteristic lively appearance and a distinct, slightly pungent, peppery aroma. Opting for organic varieties when possible can also ensure you’re getting the cleanest greens.
What’s the Best Way to Store Fresh Watercress to Keep It Crisp?
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness and crispness of watercress, allowing you to enjoy it for longer. Here are two effective methods:
- Refrigerator Storage (Plastic Bag Method): Begin by gently rinsing the watercress under cool water. It’s vital to pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner, as excess moisture can accelerate spoilage. Once dry, place the watercress in a loosely sealed plastic bag. Storing it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator will keep it fresh for approximately 3-5 days.
- Refrigerator Storage (Water Bouquet Method): For a slightly extended shelf life and to keep the greens exceptionally vibrant, trim about half an inch off the bottom of the watercress stems. Arrange the watercress, stem-side down, in a glass or jar containing about an inch or two of fresh water, much like a bouquet of flowers. Loosely cover the entire setup (greens and glass) with a plastic bag. This creates a mini-greenhouse effect that helps prevent dehydration. Change the water daily to keep it fresh. With this method, watercress can remain crisp and fresh for up to a week.
Can I Make This Salmon Watercress Salad Ahead of Time?
While this salad truly shines when assembled fresh, especially for optimal watercress crispness, you can certainly prepare several components in advance to streamline your meal prep. The homemade strawberry vinaigrette can be whisked together and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing its flavors to meld beautifully. You can also toast the slivered almonds and thinly slice the green onions a day or two ahead of time. For the salmon, you can roast it in advance and either serve it chilled on the salad for a refreshing cold salmon salad experience or gently reheat it just before serving if you prefer it warm. However, for the best texture and freshness, it’s highly recommended to toss the watercress and other fresh ingredients with the dressing just before you plan to eat.
Are There Any Ingredient Substitutions or Variations I Can Make?
Absolutely! This Salmon Watercress Salad recipe is wonderfully flexible and can be adapted to your tastes or what you have on hand. While watercress provides a unique peppery profile, you could substitute it with fresh arugula, baby spinach, or a mixed spring green blend if watercress isn’t available, though the flavor will subtly change. For the berry vinaigrette, raspberries or even blackberries would make a delicious alternative to strawberries. If salmon isn’t your preference, consider grilled chicken breast, pan-seared shrimp, or even flaky white fish as excellent protein alternatives. Feel free to swap slivered almonds for walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for different nutty flavors and textures. Adding ingredients like sliced cucumber, avocado, or cherry tomatoes can also enhance the salad’s appeal and nutritional value.
Beyond Salmon: More Refreshing Entrée Salads You’ll Love
When the weather is warm, or you’re simply seeking a lighter, more refreshing meal, entree salads are a fantastic and fulfilling alternative to heavier, traditional dishes. If you enjoyed the vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness of this Salmon Watercress Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette, you’ll love exploring these other delicious and healthy entrée salad recipes. They offer a diverse range of flavors, proteins, and ingredients, proving that salads can be incredibly satisfying, endlessly creative, and far from boring! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, these recipes are designed to keep you feeling light, energized, and utterly content.
- Shrimp and Orange Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
- Curried Turkey Salad
- Beef Noodle Bowl
- Mexican Chopped Salad
- Superfoods Salad
- Salade Nicoise
- Southwestern Chicken Salad
- Tuna Salad
- More Salad Recipes
Salmon Watercress Salad Recipe with Strawberry Vinaigrette
This comprehensive recipe for Salmon Watercress Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette creates a fresh, flavorful, and incredibly healthy entrée that is perfect for any occasion. It harmoniously combines tender, peppery watercress with sweet fresh strawberries, crunchy toasted almonds, and succulent roasted salmon, all brought together by a homemade, vibrant, and tangy-sweet strawberry vinaigrette. Prepare to be delighted by the ease of preparation and the gourmet taste!
Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Vinaigrette:
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar (or high-quality white wine vinegar)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets, skin on (approximately 4-6 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Salad Assembly:
- 4 ounce bag fresh watercress leaves, thoroughly rinsed and dried
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, using both the white and a bit of the green parts, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted (this enhances their flavor and crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Vinaigrette: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the strawberry jam (or preserves), Dijon mustard, and champagne vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gradually and slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking. This slow addition and constant whisking will help the mixture emulsify beautifully, creating a creamy and cohesive dressing. Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground pepper to your preferred taste. Give it another quick whisk before setting aside.
- Roast the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this will prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier. Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through to your liking and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
- Glaze and Broil the Salmon (Optional Step for Added Flavor and Crispness): After the initial roasting period, carefully remove the salmon from the oven. Re-whisk your prepared strawberry vinaigrette to ensure it’s well mixed. Gently brush about 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette over the top surface of each roasted salmon fillet. Turn on your oven’s broiler setting. Place the baking sheet about 4-6 inches away from the heating element. Broil the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning, until the tops of the salmon are slightly browned, caramelized, and have a beautiful glazed appearance. Remove from oven and allow the salmon to cool slightly. You can serve the salmon warm, at room temperature, or even refrigerate it if you prefer cold salmon on your salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, gently combine the fresh watercress leaves, thinly sliced fresh strawberries, thinly sliced green onions, and the lightly toasted slivered almonds. The key is to be gentle to avoid bruising the delicate watercress.
- Dress and Serve: Just before you are ready to serve, drizzle enough of the prepared strawberry vinaigrette over the salad mixture to lightly coat the watercress and other ingredients. Toss gently to ensure an even coating of the dressing. Divide the vibrant salad equally among four individual salad bowls or plates. Top each serving with a roasted salmon fillet. If desired, you can drizzle any leftover vinaigrette over the salmon and salad for an extra burst of flavor and moisture. Serve immediately and savor every fresh, flavorful bite!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
Amount Per Serving:
- Calories: 672 kcal
- Total Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 34g
- Cholesterol: 143mg
- Sodium: 337mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 53g
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Salmon Salad
This Salmon Watercress Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette isn’t just a meal; it’s an invigorating culinary experience. It expertly brings together the best of fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a dish that is both deeply satisfying and wonderfully light. Every component plays a vital role, from the peppery zest of the watercress to the sweet tang of the strawberries and the rich, flaky texture of perfectly roasted salmon. The homemade strawberry vinaigrette acts as the unifying element, infusing every bite with bright, balanced flavors.
Whether you’re searching for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner, an impressive meal to share with guests that requires minimal fuss, or a delicious and healthy way to incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids and nutrient-dense greens into your diet, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its unique flavor profile, surprising ease of preparation, and robust nutritional benefits make it a standout choice for anyone seeking a vibrant, wholesome, and truly enjoyable meal. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary dishes.
So, why wait? Head to your kitchen, gather these delightful ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to one of the most refreshing and flavorful salmon salads you’ll ever encounter. It’s a healthy choice that never compromises on taste or satisfaction. Your taste buds, and your body, will thank you for indulging in this exquisite culinary creation!
© Liz Berg
Cuisine: American
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Category: Seafood Recipes, Entrée Salads, Healthy Recipes