Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Food & Cooking
  3. Recipes
  4. 23 Watercress Recipes We're Just Wild About

23 Watercress Recipes We're Just Wild About

frances_kim_4-16.jpg
By Frances Kim Updated March 25, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Shepherd's Pie and Salad
Credit: John Dolan
It may look dainty and delicate, but watercress has a unique spicy flavor that can bring a zesty spin to any dish. Try the leafy green in salads, soups, sandwiches, and more—you can't go wrong with any of our fresh and easy watercress recipes.
Start Slideshow

1 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
Shepherd's Pie and Salad
Credit: John Dolan

With its delicate stems and leaves, watercress often gets the garnish treatment. But nutritionally speaking, it offers far more than a sprinkle of peppery flavor. To maximize the crucifer's vitamin C benefits, enjoy it raw, says Bonnie Taub-Dix, a New York City-based dietitian and nutritionist. For a dose of antioxidants and calcium, harness it by the handful in these energizing recipes.

Watercress is a small dark, leafy green with thick stems and a peppery taste that mellows once it's cooked. It's available throughout the year, but it's at its peak from April through June. When shopping for watercress, look for healthy, green leaves and sniff for a fresh, spicy scent. Store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Watercress makes for a delicious base for salad recipes, like this Watercress, Radicchio, and Radish Salad pictured here. All three varieties of leaves are tossed together in a classic vinaigrette made with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or poached salmon—it goes well with anything and everything. Another simple salad option is this desk-friendly Watercress Chopped Salad, which is easy to take on the go and packed with protein-rich edamame and rich, ripe avocados.

We also like using watercress as a change in recipes where we might otherwise use spinach, such as one of the heart-healthy add-ins for this Mushroom, Parmesan, and Watercress Omelet. And it works double duty as a garnish and crunchy side for this takeout-inspired Orange Pork with Watercress Rice recipe.

Enjoy these fresh ideas and recipes that show off the wonder of watercress.

1 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Orange Pork with Watercress Rice

orange pork with watercress rice
Credit: Armando Rafael
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pork tenderloin marries well with both sweet and savory flavors. Orange marmalade is mixed with fish sauce and lime juice to create a syrupy glaze for the meat, which is served over jasmine rice and steamed watercress.

2 of 23

3 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watercress-Buttermilk Cooler

watercress-buttermilk cooler served in a glass
Credit: Ren Fuller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Similar to chaas, a savory Indian yogurt drink, this blended beverage provides a nourishing sip. One serving of this three-ingredient invigorating cooler contains nearly a quarter of your daily calcium requirement.

3 of 23

Advertisement

4 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Super-Grain Soup with Watercress and Mushrooms

super grain soup with watercress and mushrooms
Credit: Justin Walker
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We love this savory soup when the temperatures cool off. A variety of flavorful, gourmet mushrooms are sautéed with thinly sliced red onions and quinoa, then finish cooking in a rich stock. A big bunch of watercress is the pop of green that this otherwise beige bowl craves.

4 of 23

5 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watercress Stir-Fry

watercress stir-fry topped with sesame seeds
Credit: Ren Fuller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Ginger, garlic, and sesame oil impart bold flavor so you don't have to pile on the salt. In just 15 minutes, this made-for-two easy side dish goes from wok to wow.

5 of 23

6 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watercress Chopped Salad

watercress chopped salad topped with edamame
Credit: Ren Fuller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's easy to be green with this clean lunch option. Healthy fats and fiber from avocado and edamame make this salad filling enough to be a meal.

6 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkey-and-Watercress Salad

turkey-and-watercress salad
Credit: Julia Gartland
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Don't be turned off by the lengthy time needed to complete this dish—an hour is reserved for letting farro cool off. The rest of the dish, including a quick cranberry-infused vinaigrette, comes together in just about 15 minutes.

7 of 23

8 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mushroom, Parmesan, and Watercress Omelet

omelet with mushrooms avocado and watercress
Credit: Chris Simpson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast or protein-rich vegetarian dinner. Cremini mushrooms, which have so much more flavor than regular button mushrooms, are packed into a three-egg omelet along with Parmigiano-Reggiano and crunchy watercress.

8 of 23

9 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watercress Pesto Pasta

lunch-1-001-mld109927.jpg
Credit: Raymond Hom
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Don't let basil have all the fun! Watercress makes a delectable pesto, too, when paired with toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, garlic, and red-pepper flakes. Toss with better-for-you farro spaghetti and more watercress.

9 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fried-Egg Breakfast BLT with Watercress

breakfast-sandwiches-161-d112672-fried-egg-breakfast-blt-with-watercress.jpg
Credit: Lennart Weibull
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Watercress stands in seamlessly for lettuce in this breakfast-ready twist on BLT. It joins Canadian bacon, juicy Campari tomatoes, and fried eggs on brioche toast.

10 of 23

11 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Asparagus and Watercress Pizza

pizza-roasted-vegetables-plated-120-exp3-d111764.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Store-bought whole-wheat pizza dough makes putting this pie together a cinch. Top with ricotta, mozzarella, asparagus, and red onion, bake, and finish with watercress and red-pepper flakes.

11 of 23

12 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Salmon, Avocado, and Watercress Tea Crackers

salmon-avocado-watercress-mbd108014.jpg
Credit: John Kernick
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Is it tea time yet? Because we're dying to serve these sophisticated yet unfussy crackers topped with salmon salad, thinly sliced avocado, and crisp watercress leaves. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.

12 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watercress Soup

mbd104570_1009_watercresssoup.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Chicken stock is brightened with fresh watercress, lemon wedges, and thinly sliced garlic in this soothing soup that's satisfying enough for lunch, thanks to the addition of diced potatoes.

13 of 23

14 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkey, Avocado, and Cress Wrap

turkey-warp-0811mld107440.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mashed avocado, mayo, mustard, and capers make a sensational spread for this simple wrap. It elevates the flavors of the roast turkey breast, cucumber, and watercress nestled inside.

14 of 23

15 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watercress-Horseradish Deviled Eggs

watercress-deviled-eggs-1116-d111028.jpg
Credit: Mike Krautter
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Finely chopped watercress and prepared horseradish offset the richness of the yolks in these spring party-ready deviled eggs.

15 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Golden-Beet, Avocado, and Watercress Salad

msl-salads-beets-001-mld110134.jpg
Credit: Raymond Hom
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Peppery watercress, sweet golden beets, spicy radishes, cool avocado, and fresh chives are tossed in a lively red-wine vinaigrette and topped with luxe Humboldt Fog goat cheese in this salad that's fancy enough for company.

16 of 23

17 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watercress with Garlic and Scrambled Eggs

greens-eggs-bd107398-001.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Start the morning off with some good-for-you greens—amp up your scrambled eggs with fresh watercress and a touch of garlic.

17 of 23

18 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Potato and Leek Galette with Watercress

mld106937_0411_potato0.jpg
Credit: Johnny Miller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Watercress dressed in lemon juice and olive oil makes a lovely textural contrast to the crisp potato pancake sitting underneath it in this elegant brunch recipe.

18 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Soy-Glazed Salmon with Watercress Salad

med105801_0710_soy_salmon.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A tangle of watercress tossed with orange segments, thinly sliced onion, and a sweet-and-savory vinaigrette makes a delicious accompaniment for succulent broiled salmon.

19 of 23

20 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watercress and Leek Soup

watercress-leek-soup-0509-med104695.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Watercress does double duty in this dish—it's cooked and puréed into the creamy soup and served raw on top, dressed in lemon juice and olive oil.

20 of 23

21 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grapefruit and Watercress Salad

med102639_0107_grpfruit.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We love the combination of textures and flavors in this simple salad—sweet-tart grapefruit, peppery watercress, creamy avocado, and a zingy white-wine vinaigrette.

21 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken with Watercress Salad

med104694_0509_grillchick_dinn.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Thinly pounded chicken breasts are one of the quickest ways to get dinner on the table. Here, they're flavored with lemon and cumin, grilled, and topped with a watercress, radish, and avocado salad.

22 of 23

23 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Steak, Watercress, and Orange Salad

20060105_edf_salad04.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A dinner salad for the ages! Pan-cooked flank steak is paired with fresh watercress, sliced navel oranges, roasted cashews, and a mustardy red-wine vinaigrette in this hearty dish..

23 of 23

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Frances Kim

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 23
    2 of 23 Orange Pork with Watercress Rice
    3 of 23 Watercress-Buttermilk Cooler
    4 of 23 Super-Grain Soup with Watercress and Mushrooms
    5 of 23 Watercress Stir-Fry
    6 of 23 Watercress Chopped Salad
    7 of 23 Turkey-and-Watercress Salad
    8 of 23 Mushroom, Parmesan, and Watercress Omelet
    9 of 23 Watercress Pesto Pasta
    10 of 23 Fried-Egg Breakfast BLT with Watercress
    11 of 23 Asparagus and Watercress Pizza
    12 of 23 Salmon, Avocado, and Watercress Tea Crackers
    13 of 23 Watercress Soup
    14 of 23 Turkey, Avocado, and Cress Wrap
    15 of 23 Watercress-Horseradish Deviled Eggs
    16 of 23 Roasted Golden-Beet, Avocado, and Watercress Salad
    17 of 23 Watercress with Garlic and Scrambled Eggs
    18 of 23 Potato and Leek Galette with Watercress
    19 of 23 Soy-Glazed Salmon with Watercress Salad
    20 of 23 Watercress and Leek Soup
    21 of 23 Grapefruit and Watercress Salad
    22 of 23 Chicken with Watercress Salad
    23 of 23 Steak, Watercress, and Orange Salad

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    23 Watercress Recipes We're Just Wild About
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.