Gusto TV Vibrant Potato and Watercress Salad Recipe

Vibrant Potato and Watercress Salad Recipe

This potato and watercress salad recipe combines tender new potatoes, fresh peppery watercress, and a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavourful side dish. Featured on License to Grill, this easy potato salad brings together simple ingredients and vibrant flavours, making it perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, and outdoor entertaining.

The Inspiration

Potato salad is a timeless favourite, enjoyed in different forms across many cuisines. While traditional potato salads often feature creamy mayonnaise-based dressings, this potato and watercress salad offers a lighter, fresher approach inspired by Mediterranean cooking.

On License to Grill, host Rob Rainford celebrates outdoor cooking by creating dishes that complement the bold flavours of barbecue. While grilled meats and seafood often take centre stage, fresh salads and vegetable sides play an equally important role in creating balanced and satisfying meals.

This potato and watercress salad reflects that philosophy by offering a refreshing accompaniment to smoky grilled dishes. Its citrusy dressing helps balance richer barbecue flavours, while the tender potatoes provide a satisfying element that makes the salad more substantial.

Ingredients

1 pound of new red and white potatoes – (500grams)
2 large bunches of watercress
juice from 2 lemons
2 cloves of minced garlic
½ cup of extra virgin olive oil – (125ml)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

Rise and scrub potatoes and trim stems away from watercress.
Place potatoes in a large saucepan with enough water to cover completely and bring to a boil over a high heat. Reduce heat and boil until potatoes are cooked through –about 25 minutes in total. Drain potatoes and set aside to cool.
Place watercress in a large salad bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine lemon juice, garlic, olive oil and seasonings and whisk together to create vinaigrette.
Once potatoes are cool enough to handle cut them into quarters and add to watercress. Pour vinaigrette over potatoes and watercress and mix well and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

For a classic backyard barbecue, serve this fresh potato salad alongside grilled chicken, juicy steaks, pork chops, or barbecue ribs. The light lemon dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky, savoury flavours of grilled meats, while the creamy potatoes add a satisfying element to the meal. Pair it with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a simple tomato salad to create a colourful and balanced barbecue spread.

For a vegetarian meal, pair the salad with grilled asparagus, roasted bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or marinated mushrooms. The tender potatoes provide substance, while the fresh greens and vinaigrette bring brightness to the plate. You can also enjoy the salad alongside warm crusty bread, hummus, or other Mediterranean-inspired vegetable dishes for a satisfying lunch.

When hosting a gathering, arrange the salad in a large serving bowl and place it near the grilled dishes so guests can easily serve themselves. The fresh lemon aroma and colourful ingredients make this salad a welcoming addition to any outdoor meal.

Final Thoughts

This potato and watercress salad recipe celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients and simple Mediterranean-inspired flavours. Combining tender new potatoes, peppery watercress, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil creates a refreshing salad that is easy to prepare and satisfying to enjoy.

Find more recipes from License to Grill here!