This mixed citrus and arugula salad is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, offering a refreshing twist to your usual salad fare. Bursting with flavors from various citrus fruits and paired with the peppery punch of arugula, it's ideal for those seeking a light, healthy yet satisfying dish.
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Photos of Mixed Citrus and Arugula Salad Recipe
The recipe calls for specific citrus fruits such as navel oranges, tangerines, and clementines. All these are usually available in your local grocery store. Walnut oil, another special ingredient, can be located in the oil section. It is known for its rich, nutty flavor. Crème fraîche, a French version of sour cream, is found in the dairy aisle. If you can't find it, sour cream makes a decent substitute.
Ingredients for the Mixed Citrus and Arugula Salad
Navel oranges: A type of orange known for its size and sweetness.
Tangerines: Smaller and slightly tangier than oranges, adding a different citrus note.
Clementines: Known for its sweet and juicy flavor, and easy-to-peel skin.
Large shallot: A type of onion with a more subtle flavor, used for its distinct but not overpowering taste.
Mint leaves: Adds a fresh and aromatic flavor.
Fresh lime juice: Gives the salad a tangy kick.
Walnut oil: Used for its rich and slightly nutty taste.
Crème fraîche: A thick cream with a tangy, nutty flavor.
Arugula: A peppery, leafy green that complements the sweet citrus.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors.
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This mixed citrus and arugula salad recipe is a burst of refreshing flavors! The combination of sweet citrus and peppery arugula is simply delightful. The dressing is light and zesty, perfectly complementing the fresh ingredients. It's a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. Highly recommended!
Mastering the Art of Salad Making
How to prepare citrus fruits: Peel the oranges, tangerines, and clementines, removing the white pith. Slice the clementines crosswise and remove the pits. Cut between the membranes of the oranges and tangerines, releasing the sections into a bowl.
How to make dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, walnut oil, and crème fraîche.
How to toss the salad: Add the arugula to the dressing, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently.
How to serve: Using tongs, transfer the arugula to plates. Add the citrus fruits to the remaining dressing, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Top the arugula with the citrus and serve.
How To Make Mixed Citrus and Arugula Salad
This deliciously zesty arugula salad is given a bright twist with three types of citrus, arugula, and mint tossed in a creamy lime-crème fraîche dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2navel oranges
- 2tangerines
- 3clementines
- 1large shallot
- 3tbspmint leaves,chopped
- 1tbspfresh lime juice
- 1tbspwalnut oil
- 1tbspcrème fraîche,or sour cream
- 2bunchesarugula,(¼ lb each)
- ½salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
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Using a sharp knife, peel the oranges, tangerines, and clementines, removing all the bitter white pith.
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Slice the clementines crosswise ½-inch thick and remove the pits.
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Transfer the clementines to a medium bowl.
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Working over the bowl, cut between the membranes of the oranges and tangerines, releasing the sections into the .
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Add the shallot and mint.
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In a large bowl, whisk the lime juice with the walnut oil and crème fraîche.
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Add the arugula, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently.
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Using tongs, transfer the arugula to plates.
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Add the citrus fruits to the remaining dressing, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
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Top the arugula with the citrus and serve.
Recipe Notes
Make-Ahead: The salad can be prepared through Step 1 and refrigerated for up to 2 hours.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150.28kcal
- Fat: 5.12g
- Saturated Fat: 0.84g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.04g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.60g
- Carbohydrates: 25.63g
- Fiber: 5.50g
- Sugar: 16.60g
- Protein: 4.87g
- Cholesterol: 1.82mg
- Sodium: 37.46mg
- Calcium: 253.25mg
- Potassium: 751.21mg
- Iron: 2.60mg
- Vitamin A: 162.61µg
- Vitamin C: 92.54mg
Elevate Your Salad Game with This Simple Technique
When peeling the oranges, tangerines, and clementines, it's important to remove all the white pith as it can be quite bitter. A good technique is to slice off the top and bottom of the fruit, then cut down the sides following the curve of the fruit to remove the skin and pith. This will give you clean, pith-free citrus fruit for your salad.
Streamline Your Salad Prep with These Time-Saving Hacks
Prep ahead: Prepare the citrus fruits and shallot in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save time when assembling the salad.
Use pre-washed arugula: Opt for pre-washed arugula to skip the step of washing and drying the greens, saving you time and effort.
Multi-task: While the citrus fruits are marinating in the dressing, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency.
Invest in a citrus peeler: Using a citrus peeler can significantly speed up the process of peeling oranges, tangerines, and clementines, saving you time and effort.
Organize your workspace: Before you start, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible, which will streamline the cooking process and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Mixed Citrus and Arugula Salad Recipe
navel oranges - Substitute with blood oranges: Blood oranges have a similar tangy sweetness and vibrant color, making them a great substitute for navel oranges in this salad.
tangerines - Substitute with mandarin oranges: Mandarin oranges have a similar sweet and tangy flavor, making them a suitable replacement for tangerines in this salad.
clementines - Substitute with satsumas: Satsumas have a similar sweet and juicy flavor, making them a good alternative to clementines in this salad.
shallot - Substitute with red onion: Red onion can provide a similar mild onion flavor and crunch, making it a suitable substitute for shallots in this salad.
mint leaves - Substitute with basil leaves: Basil leaves can add a fresh and aromatic flavor similar to mint, making it a good substitute in this salad.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar tangy acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement for lime juice in this salad.
walnut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a rich and flavorful base, similar to walnut oil, making it a good substitute in this salad.
crème fraiche - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can offer a similar creamy and tangy element, making it a suitable replacement for crème fraiche in this salad.
arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can provide a similar tender texture and mild peppery flavor, making it a good alternative to arugula in this salad.
Plating Ideas for a Stunning Citrus Arugula Salad
Elevate the plating: Arrange the citrus fruits and arugula in a visually appealing manner, ensuring a balance of colors and textures on the plate.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors of the citrus fruits and arugula to stand out, creating a visually striking presentation.
Garnish with citrus zest: Sprinkle a fine dusting of citrus zest over the salad to infuse it with a burst of fresh, aromatic flavors and enhance the overall visual appeal.
Emphasize plate symmetry: Focus on creating a symmetrical arrangement of the components to exude a sense of balance and harmony, showcasing attention to detail in the presentation.
Consider plate shape and size: Select an appropriate plate that complements the vibrant colors of the salad and allows for creative plating techniques, enhancing the overall visual impact.
Incorporate a drizzle design: Use a small squeeze bottle to create an artistic drizzle of the dressing around the plate, adding a touch of finesse and culinary artistry to the presentation.
Highlight the arugula: Place the arugula at the center of the plate, allowing it to serve as the foundation for the citrus fruits, creating a focal point for the dish.
Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Crafting the Perfect Salad
Sharp knife: A sharp knife is essential for peeling and slicing citrus fruits with precision and ease.
Medium bowl: A medium bowl is used for holding the sliced clementines and for mixing the shallot and mint with the citrus fruits.
Large bowl: A large bowl is used for whisking the dressing and tossing the arugula with it.
Whisk: A whisk is used for combining the lime juice, walnut oil, and crème fraîche to create the dressing for the salad.
Tongs: Tongs are used for transferring the dressed arugula to plates and adding the citrus fruits on top.
Discover an Intriguing Fact About Citrus Fruits
The vitamin C content in the mixed citrus and arugula salad provides a significant health benefit. Citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and promote overall well-being. Additionally, arugula is a great source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and blood clotting. This salad not only offers a burst of refreshing flavors but also provides a nutritious dose of essential vitamins and minerals.
Budget-Friendly Salad: Is This Recipe Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this mixed citrus and arugula salad recipe is quite high. The ingredients, including citrus fruits, arugula, and shallots, are generally affordable and widely available. The use of seasonal fruits and simple dressing keeps the cost down. With an approximate cost of $10, this refreshing salad is a great addition to a household menu. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its simplicity, nutritional value, and affordability.
Is This Citrus and Arugula Salad Healthy?
This mixed citrus and arugula salad recipe is a nutritious and refreshing dish that offers several health benefits. The salad is packed with vitamin C from the citrus fruits, which helps boost the immune system and promotes healthy skin. Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides vitamins A, K, and folate, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium. The addition of mint leaves adds a burst of freshness and aids in digestion. The use of walnut oil provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while the crème fraîche adds a creamy texture and a dose of calcium. However, the recipe could be improved by reducing the amount of crème fraîche to lower the overall fat content.
To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch and a boost of protein and healthy fats
- Sprinkle some chia seeds or flax seeds over the salad for additional fiber and omega-3 fatty acids
- Replace the crème fraîche with a low-fat Greek yogurt to maintain the creamy texture while reducing the fat content
- Incorporate other nutrient-dense vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, to increase the variety of vitamins and minerals in the salad
Our Editor's Take on This Refreshing Citrus and Arugula Salad
This mixed citrus and arugula salad recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy citrus fruits, peppery arugula, and a refreshing mint and shallot dressing. The use of different citrus fruits adds complexity and brightness to the dish, while the crème fraîche and walnut oil dressing brings a creamy and nutty element. The overall balance of flavors and textures makes this salad a refreshing and vibrant addition to any meal. It's a perfect choice for a light and flavorful starter or a side dish that will impress your guests.
Enhance Your Mixed Citrus and Arugula Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Explore These Tantalizing Salad Variations
Perfect Pairings: Main Courses and Desserts to Complement Your Salad
Why trust this Mixed Citrus and Arugula Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a vibrant and refreshing combination of citrus fruits and peppery arugula, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of mint adds a delightful freshness, while the dressing, made with lime juice, walnut oil, and crème fraiche, enhances the overall taste. The careful selection of navel oranges, tangerines, and clementines ensures a sweet and tangy citrus medley. With the addition of shallots for depth of flavor, this recipe promises a delightful and trustworthy culinary experience.
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