Citrus Arugula Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Flavorful: The combination of citrus and arugula creates a refreshing contrast of sweet, tangy, and peppery flavors.

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this salad comes together in no time.

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from the citrus and arugula, it’s a healthy addition to any meal.

• Versatile: This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or can be enjoyed as a light, vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cups arugula (baby or regular)

• 2 oranges (navel or blood oranges), peeled and segmented

• 1 grapefruit (optional), peeled and segmented

• 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese

• ¼ cup toasted almonds or pistachios

• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds or pistachios until fragrant and slightly golden. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Citrus: Peel and segment the oranges and grapefruit, removing as much of the membrane as possible.

3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.

4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine arugula, citrus segments, and red onion.

5. Dress and Toss: Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.

6. Top and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and toasted nuts over the salad and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts)

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Top the salad with grilled shrimp, salmon, or chicken for a complete meal.

• Change the Greens: Use baby spinach or mixed greens in place of arugula.

• Vegan Version: Skip the goat cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

• Add Avocado: Add slices of avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the dressing for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best served fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day, but it may wilt over time.

• Reheating: Not recommended for reheating. Best enjoyed cold.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing and citrus segments ahead of time. Assemble the salad just before serving to avoid wilting the arugula.

What’s the best citrus to use?

Navel oranges, blood oranges, and even clementines work great. You can also add grapefruit for a tangy twist.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes, add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the dressing for extra heat.

Can I use pre-packaged greens?

Yes, as long as they are fresh and dry before using to avoid sogginess.

Can I use a different cheese?

Feta, shaved Parmesan, or even blue cheese would be great substitutes for goat cheese.

Conclusion

Citrus Arugula Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and simple dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side, or a delightful appetizer. The bright citrus and peppery arugula pair perfectly with the tangy dressing and creamy goat cheese, making it a great addition to any meal. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!