Mixed Citrus Salad

Mixed Citrus Salad

Mixed Citrus Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that captures the essence of fresh citrus fruits. This salad combines a variety of citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins, with a hint of sweetness from a honey-lime dressing.

The result is a delightful medley of tangy, sweet, and juicy flavors that are perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a bright addition to any meal. The salad’s colorful presentation and zesty taste make it a crowd-pleaser, especially during the warmer months when citrus fruits are at their peak. Enjoy this salad for its health benefits and its ability to elevate any dining experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
• 1 large grapefruit, peeled and segmented
• 1 cup mandarins, peeled and segmented
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional, for extra zing)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Mixed Citrus Salad:

Prepare the Citrus Fruits:

Peel the oranges and grapefruit, removing any pith and membranes. Segment the fruits by cutting between the membranes to release the segments. Alternatively, you can use pre-segmented citrus if available. Peel and segment the mandarins, ensuring they are easy to separate into individual segments.

Prepare the Red Onion:

If using, thinly slice the red onion. This adds a touch of sharpness and contrast to the sweetness of the citrus fruits. Soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes if you want to mellow their flavor.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest (if using), and extra virgin olive oil. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the lime juice provides a bright, tangy flavor.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large salad bowl, combine the citrus segments and red onion slices (if using). Gently toss to mix the fruits and onions together.

Add the Dressing:

Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the citrus mixture. Toss gently to coat the fruits evenly with the dressing.

Add Fresh Mint:

Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves over the salad. The mint adds a refreshing, aromatic quality that complements the citrus fruits beautifully.

Serve:

Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures. It can be served on its own or as a side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a larger meal.

Enjoy:

Enjoy your Mixed Citrus Salad as a refreshing and vibrant addition to your meal. Its combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it a delightful choice for any occasion.

Chef’s Note:

Selecting Citrus Fruits:

Choose ripe citrus fruits that are firm and heavy for their size. They should have a bright, vibrant color and a sweet aroma. If citrus fruits are not in season, you can use a mix of whatever citrus fruits are available.

Red Onion:

The red onion adds a bit of sharpness to the salad. If you prefer a milder taste, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.

Dressing Adjustments:

Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more honey if needed. For a tangier flavor, increase the lime juice. Lime zest adds an extra layer of citrus flavor but can be omitted if you prefer.

Serving Tip:

This salad is best served immediately to retain the freshness and juiciness of the citrus fruits. If preparing ahead of time, store the citrus segments and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.

Nutritional Information

(Per 1 cup serving, based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 100
• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 19g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin C: 80% of Daily Value
• Vitamin A: 10% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 4% of Daily Value
• Iron: 4% of Daily Value

Mixed Citrus Salad is a nutritious and refreshing choice, rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. The combination of sweet and tangy citrus fruits with a light honey-lime dressing makes it a healthful and satisfying option. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and health benefits of this delightful salad, perfect for any occasion.

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