Tree Nut Free Watercress & Apple Salad with Fresh Goat Cheese
Peppery watercress, crisp apple slices, and tangy crumbled goat cheese make for a salad that feels genuinely restaurant-worthy without requiring much effort at all. The combination of bitter greens and sweet fruit is one of those classic pairings that just works, and the honey-apple cider vinegar dressing ties everything together with a bright, lightly sweet finish. Toasting the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet until they pop and turn golden adds a satisfying crunch and a subtle nuttiness — no tree nuts required, and no compromise on texture. The dressing comes together quickly with a simple whisk technique that emulsifies the olive oil into something smooth and glossy rather than a separated, oily mess. Everything in this recipe is naturally free of tree nuts, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or swap out any ingredients — just straightforward, beautiful produce and pantry staples. A scatter of fresh thyme over the top is optional but genuinely worth it if you have some on hand, adding a faint herbal note that makes the whole bowl feel a little more special. Serve it immediately after tossing so the watercress stays lively and the apples keep their crispness.
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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.
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