Refreshing Winter Greens Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Winter greens salad with citrus vinaigrette is like a refreshing burst of sunshine on a chilly day. Imagine crisp, vibrant greens dancing with juicy citrus flavors while the aroma of zesty vinaigrette wafts through your kitchen. This isn’t just a salad; it’s an experience that makes you feel like you’re dining in a sunny garden, even when snowflakes are twirling outside.

As I tossed together this winter greens salad, memories of holiday gatherings flooded my mind. Picture it: family and friends gathered around a table laden with delicious food. The laughter mingles with the scent of fresh citrus, making even the grumpiest Uncle Larry crack a smile. Trust me, this salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a festive celebration. You’re in for an amazing flavor experience that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance!

Ingredients for winter greens salad with citrus vinaigrette

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Winter Greens: Choose from kale, spinach, or arugula for a mix of textures and nutrients.
• Assorted Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, or mandarins add brightness and sweetness to the salad.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of the dressing.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic complements the citrus beautifully and adds depth to the vinaigrette.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness helps tie all those flavors together perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make winter greens salad with citrus vinaigrette

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Greens

Start by washing and drying your winter greens thoroughly. You can use a salad spinner or simply pat them dry with paper towels—whatever floats your boat!

Step 2: Chop Up Your Citrus

Peel your assorted citrus fruits and cut them into bite-sized segments. Remove any seeds you encounter; they tend to be quite stubborn about ruining our dining experience.

Step 3: Slice the Red Onion

Thinly slice your red onion. If you’re worried about overpowering flavors, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow them out.

Step 4: Whisk Together Vinaigrette

In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and emulsified—look at you go!

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the winter greens, citrus segments, and red onion slices. Drizzle your homemade vinaigrette over the top and toss gently until every leaf is coated.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Transfer your beautiful winter greens salad to plates or a serving bowl. Feel free to sprinkle some nuts or seeds on top for added crunch before serving.

With these simple steps completed, you now have an eye-catching winter greens salad with citrus vinaigrette that’s ready to steal the show at dinner! Enjoy every vibrant bite as it warms up even the coldest winter night!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the citrus vinaigrette, allowing flavors to meld while you chop the winter greens. Toss the greens in the dressing just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different greens like kale or arugula, or add roasted nuts for crunch. Crumbled feta or goat cheese can elevate this salad into something truly special, bringing creamy richness to every bite.

Storing & Reheating

To store your winter greens salad, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. This keeps the greens fresh. If you must reheat any cooked components, do so gently in a pan over low heat.

There was that one time I made this winter greens salad for a family gathering, and my aunt declared it “life-changing.” We all laughed as she polished off half the bowl, claiming she’s now a health food convert. It’s amazing how a simple dish can spark such joy!

FAQs:

What are the best winter greens to use in a salad?

Winter greens like kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens are excellent for salads. They are hearty and provide a robust flavor that holds up well against dressings. Additionally, you can incorporate arugula for a peppery kick or spinach for a milder taste. Choosing fresh and organic winter greens not only enhances flavor but also boosts nutritional content, making your winter greens salad with citrus vinaigrette both delicious and healthy.

How do I make the citrus vinaigrette for my salad?

To create a delightful citrus vinaigrette, combine freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they emulsify. For added flavor, include a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This vinaigrette complements the earthy flavors of winter greens beautifully, enhancing your winter greens salad with citrus vinaigrette.

Can I add other ingredients to my winter greens salad?

Absolutely! You can customize your winter greens salad by adding various ingredients. Consider including roasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots add sweetness that contrasts nicely with the bitter greens. Additionally, crumbled feta or goat cheese can provide creaminess. These additions enhance both texture and flavor, making your winter greens salad with citrus vinaigrette even more satisfying.

How should I store leftover winter greens salad?

If you have leftover winter greens salad with citrus vinaigrette, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid wilting the greens. Leftovers can last up to two days in the fridge but consume them sooner for optimal freshness and flavor. When ready to enjoy again, simply toss with fresh dressing and serve!

Conclusion for winter greens salad with citrus vinaigrette:

In summary, the winter greens salad with citrus vinaigrette is a vibrant dish perfect for colder months. Using robust winter greens like kale and Swiss chard adds nutritional value and flavor. The homemade citrus vinaigrette brings a refreshing zest that elevates the overall taste profile of the salad. Feel free to customize your creation with nuts, cheeses, or fruits for added texture and richness. Enjoy this colorful dish as a side or main course!

Print

Winter Greens Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Total Time: 13 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 4
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

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Description

A vibrant salad featuring hearty winter greens and zesty citrus, perfect for brightening up chilly days. Enjoy as a refreshing side or light main course.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup arugula
• 1 cup assorted citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, mandarins), segmented
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Wash and dry the kale, spinach, and arugula thoroughly. Use a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Peel and segment the assorted citrus fruits into bite-sized pieces. Remove any seeds.
3. Thinly slice the red onion. Soak in cold water for about 10 minutes if you prefer a milder flavor.
4. In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk until emulsified.
5. In a large bowl, mix the greens, citrus segments, and red onion slices. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
6. Transfer to plates or a serving bowl. Optionally sprinkle nuts or seeds on top for added crunch before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute different winter greens like Swiss chard. Add roasted nuts for crunch or crumbled cheese for creaminess. To keep leftovers fresh, store the salad and dressing separately until ready to serve.