This Apple Radish and Watercress Salad with Pistachio Chile de Árbol Dressing is a crisp and refreshing dish, perfect for a light yet bold-flavored meal. The sweetness of apple slices, the peppery punch of watercress, and the crunch of radishes come together beautifully, complemented by a zesty pistachio and chile de árbol dressing. Whether you're looking for a quick side or a healthy snack, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and exciting flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is a fantastic combination of textures and flavors. The sweetness of fresh apples perfectly balances the peppery watercress and radishes, making each bite feel refreshing. The pistachio chile de árbol dressing adds a unique twist, providing a creamy richness paired with a subtle spicy kick. The salad is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, taking just 10 minutes from start to finish. It's a healthy, gluten-free, vegetarian dish that’s perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad:
- 2 cups watercress, washed and trimmed
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 5 radishes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small chile de árbol, finely minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon pistachios, finely ground
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the watercress, apple slices, radish slices, and chopped pistachios.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, ground pistachios, minced chile de árbol, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Change the nuts: You can substitute pistachios with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different texture and flavor.
- Vegan option: Replace honey with maple syrup for a fully vegan dressing.
- Add cheese: Crumbled goat cheese or feta can complement the salad’s flavors if you prefer a richer, tangy element.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: This salad is best served fresh. However, you can store the leftover salad (without the dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Store the dressing separately in a jar and refrigerate it.
- Reheating: Since this salad is meant to be enjoyed fresh, there’s no need to reheat it. Just drizzle the dressing over before serving.
FAQs
How can I adjust the spice level of the dressing?
You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chile de árbol. For a milder version, use half or omit it entirely.
Can I make the salad in advance?
The salad components can be prepped ahead, but it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain its crispness.
What other greens can I use in place of watercress?
Arugula or spinach are great alternatives if you don’t have watercress on hand.
Can I use raw pistachios instead of roasted ones?
Yes, raw pistachios can be used, but roasting them will bring out a deeper flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Yes, pears or even a handful of grapes can be great substitutes for apples for a different fruity twist.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
What kind of apple is best for this salad?
A sweet and crisp variety like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp works best for this salad.
Is this salad suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, the salad is low-carb and suitable for a keto diet, especially when you skip the honey.
How do I make this salad more filling?
For a more filling meal, you can add protein such as grilled chicken, tofu, or quinoa.
Conclusion
This Apple Radish and Watercress Salad with Pistachio Chile de Árbol Dressing is a flavorful, vibrant dish that’s both light and satisfying. The combination of sweet, peppery, and nutty elements, along with the spicy dressing, makes this salad a refreshing choice for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a quick main course, this recipe delivers both taste and health benefits, all in one easy-to-make salad!
Apple Radish and Watercress Salad with Pistachio Chile de Árbol Dressing
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Apple Radish and Watercress Salad with Pistachio Chile de Árbol Dressing is a vibrant, refreshing dish featuring crisp apples, peppery watercress, crunchy radishes, and roasted pistachios. Complemented by a creamy, zesty pistachio chile de árbol dressing, this gluten-free, vegetarian salad is both light and bold in flavor. Perfect for a quick meal, side dish, or healthy snack, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, with just the right amount of spice to excite your palate.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups watercress, washed and trimmed
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 5 radishes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small chile de árbol, finely minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon pistachios, finely ground
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the watercress, apple slices, radish slices, and chopped pistachios.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, ground pistachios, minced chile de árbol, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chile de árbol for a milder or spicier dressing.
- Make Ahead: Prep the salad components ahead of time, but assemble and dress just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp.
- Vegan Option: Use maple syrup in the dressing instead of honey to make it vegan-friendly.
- Protein Additions: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
