Chicory Salad Recipe – Watercress & Fiery Chilli Dressing

Updated May 2026

This Chicory Salad is a fresh, peppery, and vibrant side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, lunchboxes, or a light family dinner. Packed with watercress, baby tomatoes, cucumber, and white chicory, it’s tossed in a fiery chilli and ginger dressing that adds a refreshing zing and subtle heat.

Chicory adds a slightly bitter note that balances beautifully with the sweetness of honey and tang of lime. This salad is quick to prepare, full of nutrients, and ideal for anyone looking for healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make salad recipes.

You can serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or hearty burgers, or make it a main course by adding grilled chicken, prawns, or cooked grains.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 1 little gem lettuce, shredded
• 2 handfuls watercress
• 200g baby tomatoes, quartered
• 4 inches cucumber, sliced into strips
• 1 chicory, leaves picked and left whole

For the dressing:

• 1 small red chilli, finely chopped
• Thumb-sized piece ginger, peeled and finely grated
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon honey (or chilli-infused honey)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Equipment Needed

• Chopping board
• Sharp vegetable knife
• Salad bowl
• Small bowl for dressing
• Fork or whisk
• Tablespoon and teaspoon

How to Make Chicory Salad

1. Toss the salad: Arrange all the salad vegetables into a shallow dish and mix them gently to combine.
2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine chilli, ginger, lime juice, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk together until smooth.
3. Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly.
4. Serve suggestions: Enjoy as a BBQ side, pack in a lunchbox with dressing separate, or stuff into toasted pitta breads with halloumi for a quick meal.

Tips for the Best Chicory Salad

• Use fresh, crisp watercress and chicory leaves for maximum flavor.
• Adjust the chilli and ginger depending on your preferred heat level.
• Add protein like grilled chicken, prawns, or tofu to turn it into a main course.
• For extra crunch, top with toasted almonds or seeds.
• Make ahead: Keep the salad leaves and dressing separate if prepping in advance.

Variations & Serving Ideas

• Swap watercress for mixed baby greens if preferred.
• Use avocado or feta for a creamier texture.
• Turn into a warm salad by quickly sautéing the chicory and watercress in sesame oil before tossing with raw vegetables.
• Add rice noodles or quinoa for a hearty, filling salad.

More Salad Recipes

• Beetroot & Goats Cheese Salad – Roasted beetroot with creamy goat cheese and toasted walnuts. Get the recipe here
• Chicken Rice Salad – Quick and easy Mexican-style chicken salad. Get the recipe here
• Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad – Ready in 15 minutes, packed with protein and veggies. Get the recipe here