Watercress

Nasturtium officinale Leafy Green/Vegetable

Watercress Leafy Green/Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Leafy Green/Vegetable

The Forktionary Angle

"Don't let its delicate appearance fool you; watercress packs a peppery punch and a nutritional powerhouse."

Definition

A leafy green aquatic plant in the cabbage family, known for its small, round leaves and distinct peppery, slightly bitter flavor.

Ideal Growing Condition Cool, flowing water (aquatic)
Nutrient Density Ranks high on nutrient density scores
Vitamin K Per Cup ~106% Daily Value

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Watercress are:

Peppery Pungent Slightly Bitter Fresh Earthy

Chef’s Secret

Blend watercress into a vibrant pesto or a creamy soup base for an unexpected peppery depth and beautiful green color.

Best Substitutes

Arugula

for peppery bite
Ratio 1:1

radish greens

for similar pungency
Ratio 1:1

spinach

for general greens, milder
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for crisp, bright green leaves with no wilting or yellowing. Store unwashed, wrapped in a damp paper towel in the fridge.

Recipes Using Watercress

Main Ingredient Preparation Low In Something Healthy

Baked Cod Spanish Style

A classic Spanish recipe from the renowned "Famous Chefs Cookbook" (1941), this Baked Cod Spanish Style transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Spain. Tender cod fillets are baked to perfection with vibrant bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and briny black olives, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. Easy to follow and bursting with Mediterranean flair, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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European Main Ingredient Course Cheese

Auld Alliance Potted French Blue Cheese And Scotch Whisky Pate

Celebrate the historic Auld Alliance between Scotland and France with this exquisite pâté! A modern twist on a Scottish grandmother's recipe, this luxurious appetizer or alternative cheese course combines creamy Fourme d'Ambert (or your favorite lighter blue cheese) with the smooth notes of a blended Scotch whisky. Forget overly salty Roquefort – this recipe delivers a sophisticated balance of flavors. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a taste of history! Discover the perfect blend of French cheese and Scottish whisky – a culinary partnership as enduring as the Auld Alliance itself.

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One Dish Meal Lunch Main Dish Dietary

Apricot Mint Lamb Burgers W Green Mayonnaise

Experience a flavor explosion with these Apricot Mint Lamb Burgers! A delightful twist on a classic, these juicy lamb patties are topped with a vibrant green mayonnaise for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Don't be intimidated by the slightly loose patties – they'll hold together perfectly. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue. Make the green mayonnaise ahead of time for an even easier cooking process. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Occasion Served Hot Cheese Poultry

Bacon Wrapped Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts A Deux

Indulge in these decadent Bacon-Wrapped Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts! Juicy chicken breasts are expertly wrapped in crispy bacon, bursting with the savory flavor of garlic & herb Boursin cheese. Roasted alongside sweet cherry tomatoes, this romantic dinner for two is effortlessly elegant. Easily scaled for larger gatherings, these chicken breasts can even be prepped and frozen for a future meal! Serve with seasonal vegetables and a baked potato for a complete and impressive supper, any time of year. Upgrade your meal with a creamy white wine sauce made from the pan juices – pure deliciousness!

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Salads Course Easy Vegetarian

Apple Avocado And Hearts Of Palm Salad

This vibrant and refreshing Apple Avocado & Hearts of Palm Salad is perfect for a light lunch, dinner party, or any occasion! The creamy paprika dressing complements the crisp apples, creamy avocado, and crunchy hearts of palm beautifully. Prepare ahead of time – toss the avocado and apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning, then assemble and dress just before serving for ultimate freshness. A delightful blend of textures and flavors!

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60 Minutes Or Less Low Saturated Fat Beginner Cook Low Sodium

Armenian Potato Salad

Recreate the magic of a Glendale Armenian deli with this simple yet stunning potato salad recipe! Inspired by a truly memorable meal, this recipe captures the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Armenian side dish. Easy to follow instructions guide you to perfectly cooked potatoes tossed in a bright, herbaceous salsa. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this authentic taste of Armenia.

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Brown Bag Main Dish One Dish Meal To Go

5 A Day Salad

Fuel your body with this vibrant 5-A-Day Power Salad! Packed with 5 servings of colorful veggies, it's a quick, easy, and delicious way to get your daily dose of nutrients. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

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Appetizers Salads Appetizers Time To Make

Belgian Endive With Roquefort Walnuts And Cranberries

Elevate your appetizer game with this sophisticated and surprisingly simple recipe for Belgian Endive with Roquefort, Walnuts, and Cranberries! Chef David Vartanian's vintage recipe delivers a delightful combination of creamy Roquefort, crunchy walnuts, tart cranberries, and crisp endive. Perfect for holiday parties or a special weeknight treat.

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Preparation Salads Main Ingredient Time To Make

Apple Almond Blue Cheese Salad

Crisp apples, creamy blue cheese, and crunchy almonds come together in this irresistible fall salad! A vibrant and flavorful recipe, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a satisfying appetizer.

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Finger Food Main Dish Saltwater Fish Presentation

Australian Seafood Platter

Impress your guests with this breathtaking Australian Seafood Platter! Effortlessly elegant and perfect for summer entertaining, this recipe is adapted from the iconic Australian Women's Weekly cookbook. Featuring succulent Tasmanian oysters, premium Australian prawns and salmon, and luxurious lobster, this platter is a celebration of fresh seafood. We've simplified the original recipe for ease of preparation, using store-bought sauces to save time, but without compromising on flavor. Prepare ahead and chill for a truly stress-free gathering.

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Main Dish Ham Kid Friendly 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Ham California Style

Ring in the holidays with this festive California-style baked ham! Inspired by a 1947 culinary classic, this recipe boasts a stunning presentation with vibrant emerald watercress and cinnamon-glazed apples. The perfectly glazed ham, studded with cloves and infused with orange zest, is a showstopper for any Christmas feast or special occasion. Get ready to impress your guests with this unforgettable recipe!

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Apples Northeastern United States North American Vegetarian

Apple Watercress Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring a medley of crisp apples (Pippin, Gala, and Braeburn are recommended!), peppery watercress, and a delicately floral honey vinaigrette. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or a sophisticated appetizer. The doubled vinaigrette ensures you have plenty to enjoy! Adapted from Country Home magazine.

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Technique Dinner Party Equipment No Cook

Avocado With Watercress Shrimp Appetizer

Impress your guests with this quick and easy appetizer! Creamy avocado and succulent shrimp are perfectly complemented by a vibrant cilantro-lime dressing. A fresh and flavorful twist on a classic, this recipe is perfect for parties or a light dinner. Easily adaptable – substitute watercress if you prefer!

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Main Dish Meat Course Novelty

Benihana Hibachi Chateaubriand

Savor the sizzling excitement of Benihana's legendary Hibachi Chateaubriand right in your own kitchen! This copycat recipe recreates the restaurant's signature dish, featuring perfectly seared chateaubriand, vibrant vegetables, and a mouthwatering sauce. Impress your friends and family with this unforgettable, restaurant-quality meal – it's easier than you think!

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Low Cholesterol Kid Friendly One Dish Meal Served Hot

Asian Noodles With Edamame

Quick and easy Asian noodle bowl bursting with fresh flavors! This vibrant recipe features tender noodles, sweet edamame, crunchy carrots, and a zesty soy-ginger dressing. Inspired by a Vegetarian Times recipe (Sept 2005), this updated version is perfect for a weeknight meal or a light lunch.

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