Artificial Flavors Free Watercress & Apple Salad with Fresh Goat Cheese
Peppery watercress, crisp apple slices, creamy goat cheese, and golden toasted pumpkin seeds — this salad is the kind of thing that looks effortlessly impressive and tastes even better than it looks. Every component is a whole, recognizable ingredient, which means you know exactly what you're eating without having to decode a label or second-guess a store-bought shortcut. The dressing comes together in minutes with apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt — nothing synthetic, nothing mysterious, just clean flavors that actually taste like something. Toasting the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet is a small step that pays off big, adding a nutty crunch that ties the whole bowl together. The honey and vinegar balance each other beautifully against the slight bitterness of the watercress, while the goat cheese brings a tangy creaminess that makes every bite feel a little luxurious. A scatter of fresh thyme at the end is optional but genuinely worth it if you have it on hand. This is the salad you bring to a dinner party or make on a Tuesday when you want something that feels special without any fuss.
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 fresh watercress, thick stems trimmed
- 2 medium crisp apples (such as honeycrisp or fuji), cored and thinly sliced
- 3 oz fresh goat cheese, crumbled
- 3 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds
For the dressing
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Toast the pumpkin seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they begin to pop and turn golden, about 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool completely.
- 2
Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, and fine sea salt in a small bowl until the honey dissolves. Drizzle in the olive oil in a thin, steady stream while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!