Refreshing Summer Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Welcome to my blog where we explore the world of culinary delights through fresh and innovative recipes. Today, we’re diving into the heart of summer with a refreshing salad that is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched beach. The star of this dish is our Citrus Vinaigrette, which adds a zesty kick to every bite. Let’s get started on this delightful recipe.

Ingredients

To create this vibrant salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Salad:
• 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• For the Citrus Vinaigrette:
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your refreshing summer salad:

1. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, feta cheese, toasted almonds, and herbs. Set aside.
2. Make the Citrus Vinaigrette: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is emulsified.
3. Dress the Salad: Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Serve: Divide the salad among individual plates and serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.

Expert Tips

To elevate your salad game, consider these expert tips:

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great salad is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Make sure your greens are crisp and your fruits and vegetables are at their peak ripeness.
• Balance the Flavors: The citrus vinaigrette provides a tangy contrast to the creamy avocado and salty feta cheese. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
• Toast the Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Herbs Matter: Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, and basil add brightness and complexity to the salad. Don’t skip them!

Nutritional Information

This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of what you’re getting per serving:

Conclusion

The Refreshing Summer Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that make it ideal for warm weather. Its lightness and freshness make it a great choice for lunch or a side dish at dinner. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy this vibrant salad and let me know how it turns out for you!