This refreshing and tangy Orange Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola celebrates the citrusy sweetness of oranges, the peppery punch of arugula, and the creamy sharpness of gorgonzola. A delightful dish that is easy to make yet bursting with unique combinations of flavors that will impress guests and satisfy your salad cravings.
Photos of Orange and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola Recipe
Gorgonzola is a type of blue cheese that is rich and creamy with a distinctive sharp flavor. It's not a typical household staple, so you may need to add it to your shopping list. Also, choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing, as it will complement and enhance the natural flavors of the rest of the ingredients.
Ingredients for Orange Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola
Orange: A sweet fruit that adds a bright, citrusy flavor and vibrant color to the salad.
Balsamic Vinegar: A dark, concentrated, and intensely flavored vinegar used in the dressing.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used in the dressing, it adds a silky texture, and its robust flavor enhances the salad's overall taste.
Honey: Adds a natural sweet touch to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the bitterness of the arugula.
Salt and fresh pepper: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Arugula: A peppery, slightly bitter salad green that complements the sweetness of the orange.
Gorgonzola cheese: A rich and creamy blue cheese with a sharp flavor that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
Red onion: Adds a crunch and slight pungency that balances the sweetness of the dressing.
One reader, Baxy Lovelace says:
This orange arugula salad with gorgonzola recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tangy orange, peppery arugula, and creamy gorgonzola is a flavor explosion. The vinaigrette ties it all together perfectly. It's a refreshing and satisfying salad that's become a staple in my kitchen. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Orange Arugula Salad With Gorgonzola
How to prepare the vinaigrette: Whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
How to assemble the salad: Place the arugula on a plate, then top it with the cut orange pieces, sliced red onion, and crumbled gorgonzola cheese. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the top before serving.
How To Make Orange and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola
This incredibly refreshing and filling arugula salad is mixed with the bold taste of red onion and creamy gorgonzola. Whip this up in just under 30 minutes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1small orange,peeled and sectioned
- 1tspbalsamic vinegar
- 1tspextra virgin olive oil
- ½tsphoney
- salt and fresh pepper,to taste
- 2cupsarugula,or spinach/other baby greens
- 3tbspgorgonzola cheese,crumbled
- 3red onion slices,to taste
Instructions
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Take 2 sections of the orange, then squeeze it into a small bowl.
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Whisk in the balsamic, oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
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Cut the remaining orange sections into bite-sized pieces.
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Place the arugula on a plate, then top with the cut orange pieces, sliced red onion and Gorgonzola cheese.
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Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
In case Gorgonzola cheese is not available, blue cheese works great too.
Nutrition
- Calories: 299.65kcal
- Fat: 18.19g
- Saturated Fat: 9.30g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.92g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.01g
- Carbohydrates: 23.95g
- Fiber: 4.21g
- Sugar: 16.37g
- Protein: 12.59g
- Cholesterol: 34.51mg
- Sodium: 601.19mg
- Calcium: 364.88mg
- Potassium: 548.38mg
- Iron: 1.11mg
- Vitamin A: 149.49µg
- Vitamin C: 61.71mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Orange Arugula Salad With Gorgonzola Recipe
When preparing the orange, make sure to cut it over a bowl to catch any juice that may escape. This juice is packed with flavor and can be used to enhance the vinaigrette. Additionally, when whisking the vinaigrette, do so in a steady, circular motion to properly emulsify the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. This will ensure a smooth and well-blended dressing that will evenly coat your arugula.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and store ingredients like onions, lettuce, and herbs in advance to save time during meal prep.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cooking: Prepare large batches of staple ingredients like rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to use in multiple meals throughout the week.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to easily locate ingredients and cooking tools, saving time and reducing stress during meal preparation.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to multitask efficiently, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering on the stove.
Substitute Ingredients For Orange and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola Recipe
orange - Substitute with grapefruit: Grapefruit has a similar citrusy flavor and can provide a tangy and slightly bitter taste to the salad.
balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar has a slightly milder flavor compared to balsamic vinegar and can still provide the acidity needed for the dressing.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in the dressing.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a similar sweetness to the dressing and complements the flavors of the salad ingredients.
arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a mild, slightly peppery flavor similar to arugula and can be a good alternative in the salad.
gorgonzola cheese - Substitute with blue cheese: Blue cheese has a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to gorgonzola, making it a suitable substitute in the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to red onions and can provide a subtle onion flavor to the salad without being overpowering.
How to Beautifully Present Orange Arugula Salad With Gorgonzola
Elevate the plating: When presenting the orange arugula salad with gorgonzola, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Arrange the arugula, orange slices, and gorgonzola cheese in an artful and deliberate manner. Consider using negative space to highlight the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance to the dish by incorporating edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, to the plate. These delicate blooms not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a subtle floral note that complements the flavors of the salad.
Utilize contrasting textures: Create a dynamic sensory experience by incorporating contrasting textures. Consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for crunch, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the overall mouthfeel of the salad.
Emphasize the cheese: Gorgonzola is a star ingredient in this dish, so highlight its presence on the plate. Crumble the cheese in a way that showcases its creamy texture and bold flavor, adding a focal point to the presentation.
Play with height and layers: Experiment with the vertical elements of the dish by layering the ingredients to create visual interest. Consider using a ring mold to stack the components or building a vertical salad tower for a striking presentation.
Consider the plate shape and color: Choose a plate that complements the vibrant colors of the salad. Opt for a plate with a contrasting color to make the salad pop, or select a unique shape to add an element of surprise to the presentation.
Garnish with citrus zest: Before serving, finely zest some additional orange over the top of the salad. The bright citrus zest not only adds a burst of flavor but also serves as a final decorative touch, enhancing the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Salad
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile and essential kitchen tool for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or dressings.
- Whisk: A utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into mixtures.
- Citrus juicer: A tool designed for extracting juice from citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.
- Grater: Used to grate or shred ingredients such as cheese, citrus zest, or vegetables.
- Salad spinner: A tool used to wash and dry salad greens efficiently.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Plates and serving utensils: Used for presenting and serving the prepared salad.
- Zester: A tool used to remove the zest from citrus fruits to add flavor to dishes.
Interesting Fact About Orange Arugula Salad With Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola cheese is named after a small town in Italy where it was first produced.
Is Making Orange Arugula Salad With Gorgonzola Cost-Effective?
This orange arugula salad with gorgonzola recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and readily available, making it budget-friendly. The combination of arugula, oranges, and gorgonzola cheese provides a burst of flavors and nutrients. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12. The salad offers a refreshing and nutritious option for a meal or a side dish. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This orange arugula salad with gorgonzola is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of nutrients from various ingredients:
- Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green, providing vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium
- Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C and contain fiber, potassium, and folate
- Gorgonzola cheese, while high in saturated fat, is rich in protein and calcium
- Red onions contain antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar levels
- The dressing uses healthy ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
However, the salad does contain some high-calorie ingredients, such as gorgonzola cheese and olive oil, which could be consumed in excess if portion sizes are not controlled.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the amount of arugula to boost the intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Add more colorful vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, to provide additional antioxidants and phytochemicals
- Reduce the amount of gorgonzola cheese or replace it with a lower-fat alternative, such as feta or goat cheese, to decrease saturated fat content
- Include a lean protein source, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the salad more satiating and balanced
- Experiment with different citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or blood oranges, to vary the flavor profile and nutrient content
Editor's Opinion on Orange Arugula Salad With Gorgonzola Recipe
The combination of the peppery arugula, sweet orange, pungent gorgonzola, and tangy vinaigrette creates a harmonious balance of flavors in this salad. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to elevating the dish. The addition of red onion provides a subtle sharpness, while the vinaigrette ties everything together with a delightful sweetness and acidity. Overall, this recipe offers a refreshing and sophisticated salad that would make a delightful addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Orange and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Orange and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The freshness of the orange pairs beautifully with the peppery arugula and creamy gorgonzola cheese. The vinaigrette, made with balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of honey, adds a perfect balance of tangy and sweet notes. The use of high-quality ingredients such as fresh orange and flavorful gorgonzola cheese ensures a delicious and satisfying salad experience. Trust in the simplicity and harmony of these ingredients to create a memorable and enjoyable dish.
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