Citrus Salad

There’s something so refreshing about a Citrus Salad that instantly transports me to sunny days and vibrant flavors. Every time I prepare this dish, I recall the first summer picnic I hosted, where guests marveled at the colorful array of citrus fruits intertwined with peppery arugula. The bright oranges, pink grapefruit, and creamy avocado not only create a visual feast but also a mouthwatering combination that dances on the palate. It’s a dish that sparks joy and conversation, perfect for gatherings or as a light lunch on a warm day.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Citrus Salad

The ingredients for this Citrus Salad come together so harmoniously. The zesty citrus fruits, combined with the crunch of pistachios and the creaminess of avocados, create a delightful medley that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Each component plays a vital role in crafting a salad that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.

• 1/4 cup olive oil: This rich oil serves as the base for our dressing, adding depth and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, zesty note.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Enhances the tartness and balances the sweetness of the oranges.
• 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar or white balsamic vinegar: Adds an elegant touch and complexity to the dressing.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally; feel free to use pure maple syrup for a vegan version.
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing flavors.
• 2 blood oranges: Their deep color and unique flavor add a stunning visual and taste.
• 2 cara cara or navel oranges: Sweet and juicy, these oranges are a perfect addition.
• 1 pink grapefruit: Introduces tartness and pairs beautifully with the sweet oranges.
• 4 cups arugula: The base of the salad, providing a peppery crunch.
• 2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced: Creaminess that complements the citrus.
• 1/3 cup pistachios, roughly chopped: Adds a nutty crunch.
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils: For a pop of color and sweetness.
• Chopped fresh mint leaves: A fragrant garnish that enhances the overall flavor.

How to Make Citrus Salad

Creating the Citrus Salad is a breeze, and it doesn’t take long before you can savor its deliciousness. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a colorful and mouthwatering salad ready to impress!

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, champagne vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Set this aside; this will be the dressing that ties everything together.
2. Now, take your blood oranges and pink grapefruit. Cut the ends off each fruit so they can stand upright. Using a small, sharp serrated knife, carefully cut off the peel and any white pith, following the curves of the fruit. Once peeled, slice them crosswise into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. Next, grab your serving platter or a large bowl. Place the arugula in the center. Drizzle a little bit of your prepared dressing over the greens, but don’t use it all—save most of it to drizzle over the fruit later. This step ensures the arugula is lightly flavored without overpowering the citrus.
4. Now it’s time to arrange your citrus slices on top of the arugula. Artistic presentation can elevate the dish, so feel free to play with the layout. Aim for a colorful display with the blood oranges, cara cara oranges, and pink grapefruit overlapping slightly.
5. Top the citrus arrangement with slices of avocado. Their creamy texture complements the acidity of the fruits beautifully.
6. Sprinkle the pistachios generously over the salad for a delightful crunch. The nuts add flavor and texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.
7. Add the pomegranate arils over the top for a pop of sweetness and a beautiful burst of color.
8. Finally, drizzle the remaining dressing over the assembled salad. It’s best to serve the Citrus Salad immediately, but if you want the flavors to meld a bit, let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes before serving. This waiting time allows the dressing to soak into the ingredients.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves, and your salad is ready! Serve it fresh, and enjoy the vibrant flavors!

Change It Up

There are many ways to customize your Citrus Salad to make it even more delightful. Here are some ideas to keep things fresh and exciting:

• Add protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a hearty meal.
• Try different nuts: Swap pistachios for almonds or walnuts to change the flavor profile.
• Include seasonal fruits: Depending on the season, you can add seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a fun twist.
• Experiment with dressings: Feel free to try different vinaigrettes or dressings, such as a citrus vinaigrette or a honey mustard blend.
• Make it a grain bowl: Serve your Citrus Salad over quinoa or couscous for a filling lunch option.

Serve This Citrus Salad With

Pairing your Citrus Salad can elevate your dining experience. Here are some wonderful options to complement it:

• Grilled Fish: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon or any white fish. The lightness of the fish complements the freshness of the salad.
• Sandwiches: Serve alongside a turkey or veggie sandwich for a balanced meal. The citrus salad provides a refreshing contrast to the heartiness of a sandwich.
• Pasta Dishes: Light pasta dishes, especially those with lemon or olive oil dressings, go well together.
• Picnics or BBQs: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, this salad adds a refreshing touch to any picnic or barbecue.
• Light Soups: Pair with a chilled cucumber soup or a light gazpacho for a beautiful summer meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Citrus Salad is a colorful and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. It’s a perfect blend of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch that will leave you craving more. I encourage you to try making it for your next gathering or as a light lunch at home. You won’t be disappointed with this delightful salad bursting with vibrant flavors!

Citrus Salad

The ultimate refreshing dish, this Citrus Salad combines vibrant citrus fruits with creamy avocado and crunchy pistachios. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side, it's an easy recipe to prepare that will impress your guests. Make it tonight for a burst of flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Whisk
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey use pure maple syrup for vegan
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• to taste Sea salt and black pepper
• 2 blood oranges
• 2 cara cara or navel oranges
• 1 pink grapefruit
• 4 cups arugula
• 2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced
• 1/3 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
• Chopped fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, champagne vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
• Cut the ends off of the blood oranges and pink grapefruit. Stand each fruit upright and use a small, sharp serrated knife to cut off the peel and any white pith, following the curves of the fruit. Slice the citrus crosswise into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
• Place the arugula on a platter or in a large bowl. Drizzle a little salad dressing over the arugula, but don’t use it all. You want to save most of it to drizzle over the fruit.
• Arrange the citrus on top of the arugula. Top with avocado slices, pistachios, pomegranate arils, and mint leaves. Drizzle with remaining dressing.
• Serve immediately or let sit for 10 to 20 minutes to let the flavors marinate.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
• Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and should not be frozen.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different citrus combinations!
• Serving: For a more filling dish, add quinoa or couscous.

Keyword Citrus Salad Recipe, Easy Summer Salad, Healthy Citrus Salad, Refreshing Salad Ideas

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Meet Penny Porter

I bring the energy to our cooking sessions. I don’t have a “specialty” because I love it all I’m just as happy kneading dough as I am stirring a spicy curry. My favorite part of being on this team is the variety. One day we’re making pasta from scratch, and the next we’re grilling outdoors. I love the fast-paced creative process and am always the first one to grab an apron when a new idea pops up.