Alpha Gal Friendly Pomegranate & Mint Watercress Salad
This vibrant salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate — peppery watercress, cool cucumber rounds, jewel-bright pomegranate arils, and fragrant torn mint all come together in one stunning bowl. The toasted walnuts add a warm, nutty crunch that makes every bite feel a little more special, and they only take a couple of minutes in a dry skillet to reach that perfect golden fragrance. Managing alpha-gal means steering clear of mammalian meat and certain animal byproducts, and this recipe is built entirely from plants, nuts, and a clean olive oil and lemon dressing — no hidden animal fats or mammalian-derived ingredients to second-guess. A touch of raw honey and ground turmeric in the vinaigrette gives the dressing a subtle floral warmth with a gorgeous golden hue that clings beautifully to the greens. Everything here is straightforward and whole, so you can feel confident about what's going into the bowl without having to scrutinize a single label. It comes together in minutes and is the kind of salad that genuinely impresses at a dinner table while still being effortless enough for a weeknight.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 5 oz watercress, thick stems trimmed
- 1 english cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
- ¾ cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- ⅓ cup raw walnuts
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- 1
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, turmeric, black pepper, and salt until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!