Barley Free Pomegranate & Mint Watercress Salad
Peppery watercress, jewel-bright pomegranate arils, cool cucumber, and fragrant torn mint come together in a salad that looks stunning on the table and tastes even better than it looks. The toasted walnuts add a warm, nutty crunch that plays beautifully against the crisp, fresh greens — just a couple of minutes in a dry skillet is all it takes to bring them to life. The dressing is a simple whisk of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, turmeric, and black pepper, and it ties every element together with a bright, golden finish. For anyone navigating grain sensitivities, this kind of recipe is a genuine relief — every single ingredient here is naturally free of barley and any grain-based fillers, so there's no label-scanning required. It's the kind of dish that works as a light lunch on its own or as a vibrant side next to grilled proteins. Toss it right before serving so the watercress stays lively and the dressing coats every leaf evenly.
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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.
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