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Zesty Winter Citrus Salad

Featured in: Fresh and Vibrant Salads That Satisfy and Nourish

This Zesty Winter Citrus Salad is a cheerful mix of winter fruits like blood oranges, cara cara oranges, and grapefruit slices served over fresh greens. Add layers of crunch with almonds, juiciness from pomegranate, and creaminess with goat cheese. Tie everything together with a delightful honey lemon dressing with poppy seeds. It’s ideal as a side dish or an energizing lunch, letting you savor vibrant colors and flavors all season long.
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Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:19:21 GMT
Zesty Winter Citrus Salad with Lemon Honey Poppyseed Dressing Pin it
Zesty Winter Citrus Salad with Lemon Honey Poppyseed Dressing | yummygusto.com

This vibrant winter citrus salad showcases the season's finest fruits paired with fresh greens and creamy goat cheese. The combination of blood oranges, cara cara oranges and ruby grapefruit creates a refreshing contrast to hearty winter fare. A bright lemon honey poppyseed vinaigrette ties all the flavors together perfectly.

The varied textures and bright flavors in this salad make it a crowd favorite. The juicy citrus segments, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese create an irresistible combination that appeals to both salad lovers and skeptics alike.

Key Ingredients

  • Blood Oranges: Select heavy, firm fruits with deep colored skin for best flavor
  • Cara Cara Oranges: Look for smooth-skinned fruits with a slight give when pressed
  • Ruby Grapefruit: Choose fruits that feel weighty and have thin, smooth skin
  • Pomegranate Seeds: Select fruits that feel heavy and have unblemished skin
  • Fresh Mint: Use bright green leaves with no dark spots
  • Goat Cheese: Fresh, crumbly varieties work best
  • Spring Mix: Choose fresh, crisp greens with no wilting

Assembly Instructions

Make The Vinaigrette:
Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, poppy seeds and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare The Citrus:
Remove all peel and pith. Slice into rounds, reserving any juice for the dressing.
Toast The Almonds:
Heat in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant.
Layer The Salad:
Start with spring mix as the base. Arrange citrus rounds in overlapping circles.
Add Garnishes:
Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, mint leaves, toasted almonds and crumbled goat cheese.
Finish:
Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.
Fresh Winter Citrus Salad with Lemon Honey Poppyseed Vinaigrette Pin it
Fresh Winter Citrus Salad with Lemon Honey Poppyseed Vinaigrette | yummygusto.com

This recipe combines traditional Mediterranean ingredients with modern flavor pairings. The bright citrus and fresh herbs reflect classic coastal cuisine, while additions like goat cheese and poppyseeds bring contemporary appeal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant salad alongside grilled chicken or fish. It's perfect for brunches and light lunches. Crusty bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful dressing.

Recipe Variations

In spring, use Valencia oranges and add fresh strawberries. Try feta cheese for a sharper flavor or substitute different nuts like pistachios. Fresh basil or tarragon can replace the mint for variety.

Storage Tips

Store prepared ingredients separately. Citrus segments will keep 2-3 days refrigerated. Dressing stays fresh up to 3 days when chilled. Combine all elements just before serving.

Close-up Winter Citrus Salad with Lemon Honey Poppyseed Vinaigrette Recipe Pin it
Close-up Winter Citrus Salad with Lemon Honey Poppyseed Vinaigrette Recipe | yummygusto.com

This versatile salad recipe allows for creative interpretation while maintaining its core appeal. The combination of bright citrus, fresh greens and complementary textures creates a reliable dish that brightens any winter meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I prep this citrus salad in advance?
Sure! Slice up the fruits and whip up the dressing up to three days early. Keep each separate and combine just before eating, so the salad stays fresh.
→ What’s a good swap for goat cheese?
Feel free to try feta, ricotta salata, or skip the cheese altogether if you want a dairy-free option!
→ Which greens are a perfect pick here?
Spring greens, spinach, or arugula work great. Choose what you like—arugula’s peppery, while spinach is more subtle.
→ How do I choose the best citrus fruits?
Go for fruits that feel heavy and firm with smooth, bright skin. Avoid ones with soft areas or dull coloring.
→ Are there nuts I can use besides almonds?
Definitely! Pistachios are a great match for citrus. You could also use walnuts or pecans for something different.

Zesty Winter Citrus Salad

An easy-to-make Zesty Winter Citrus Salad pairing sweet oranges, sour grapefruits, toasted almonds, and creamy goat cheese topped with a honey lemon poppyseed dressing.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Healthy Salads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Fresh Fruits & Greens

01 1 grapefruit, peeled and cut into slices
02 2 navel oranges, peeled and cut into slices
03 2 cara cara oranges, peeled and cut into slices
04 2 blood oranges, peeled and cut into slices
05 6 cups of baby arugula, spinach, or spring mix
06 ¼ cup of fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
07 ½ cup of pomegranate seeds

→ Toppings

08 ½ cup of crumbled goat cheese
09 ⅓ cup of toasted, sliced almonds

→ Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

10 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds
11 2 tablespoons of honey
12 ⅓ cup of olive oil (extra virgin)
13 Kosher salt and black pepper to your liking
14 ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
15 ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 01

Use a small bowl to mix together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard. Keep whisking till smooth. Add some salt and pepper, and for extra sweetness, you can stir in more honey.

Step 02

Peel the citrus fruits—remove all the white, bitter pith from the blood oranges, navel oranges, cara cara oranges, and grapefruit. Lay each fruit sideways and cut them into thin, quarter-inch rounds.

Step 03

Warm up a skillet over medium heat and toss the almond slices in. Stir these constantly for about 3 to 5 minutes until they start to smell toasty and golden. Take the skillet off the heat and let them cool down.

Step 04

Take a big salad bowl and spread the greens on the bottom. Place the citrus slices on top. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and mint leaves over them. Add a little dressing and gently toss everything. Finish it off with the crumbled goat cheese and toasted almonds. Serve right away, with extra dressing if you want.

Notes

  1. Be careful—blood orange juice can stain clothes, so it’s a good idea to wear an apron.
  2. You can get a head start: keep your peeled citrus and greens in containers, and make the dressing up to 3 days ahead.
  3. For a twist, use pistachios instead of almonds, or add sliced avocado or fennel.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big bowl for the salad
  • Small bowl for the dressing
  • A whisk for mixing
  • A dry pan or skillet to toast the almonds
  • A sharp knife for slicing the fruit

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This dish uses almonds, which are tree nuts.
  • Goat cheese in the salad contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 279
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
  • Protein: 7 g