Watercress, Orange, and Avocado Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring crisp watercress, juicy oranges, and creamy avocados, dressed with a flavorful pomegranate-lime vinaigrette. The combination of red cabbage, serrano chiles, and aromatic aniseed creates a complex flavor profile with both sweet and spicy notes.

6 servings
35 min

Ingredients

  • 4 cloves garlic
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 slices red onion
  • ¼ cup pomegranate juice
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tablespoon serrano chiles
  • ¾ teaspoon aniseed
  • tablespoons cilantro
  • 4 whole navel oranges
  • 5 cups red cabbage
  • 3 bunches watercress
  • 5 whole green onions
  • 2 whole avocados
  • peeled
  • pitted
  • cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat broiler. Place garlic cloves on small baking sheet; broil until golden brown, about 2 1/2 minutes per side. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in heavy small skillet over medium heat. Add onion slices; cook until light brown and slightly softened, about 7 minutes per side. Finely chop garlic and onion. Whisk pomegranate juice and next 4 ingredients in small bowl. Whisk in 1/4 cup oil. Mix in onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk in cilantro.

    20 min

  2. 2.

    Cut off all peel and white pith from oranges. Cut between membranes to release segments.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Combine cabbage, watercress, green onions, and orange segments in large bowl. Add dressing and avocado slices and toss gently to coat. Transfer salad to large platter and serve.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    *A thick pomegranate syrup; available at some supermarkets and Middle Eastern markets and by mail from Adriana's Caravan (adrianascaravan.com).