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Watercress Salad with Tequila Tangerine Dressing

Watercress Salad with Tequila Tangerine Dressing

A bright classic salad combining peppery watercress, tangerines, avocado, and red onion with an uncooked tequila-tangerine vinaigrette. It serves four and comes together in about 25 minutes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 2 large bunches about 6-8 ounces total Watercress, tough stems removed
  • 3-4 whole Tangerines, peeled and separated into segments
  • 1 whole Avocado, peeled and cut into cubes or slices
  • 1/2 small Small red onion, thinly sliced
Tequila-Tangerine Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Fresh tangerine juice
  • 2 tablespoons Blanco tequila
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Minced shallot
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup Extra-virgin olive oil

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Wash the watercress thoroughly under cool running water, remove the coarse and tough stems, and dry the leaves completely. A salad spinner works well, followed by a brief air-dry on a clean towel.
  2. Peel the tangerines, separate them into segments, and remove excess pith and any seeds. Thinly slice the red onion, then peel and cut the avocado into cubes or slices.
  3. Whisk the fresh tangerine juice, blanco tequila, lime juice, honey, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Continue whisking until the honey is well incorporated.
  4. Gradually whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and lightly thickened. You may also place all dressing ingredients in a tightly covered jar and shake until combined.
  5. Place the dry watercress, tangerine segments, and sliced red onion in a large bowl. Add the avocado and dressing just before serving, then toss gently to coat without breaking the avocado.

Notes

Dry the watercress completely so the vinaigrette clings to the leaves rather than becoming diluted. Add the avocado and dressing at the last moment, and serve promptly for the best texture.