You can use a mixture of citrus fruits to build this salad. In the recipe above, we’ve suggested a combination of oranges and blood oranges, but you could also add other fruit, such as pomegranate seeds, to bring a different dimension to the salad. There’s a whole range of unusual citrus fruits worth experimenting with, which you can discover and explore in our useful guide.
It’s worth taking the time to remove the citrus segments from the membranes, as these can taste a little bitter. The supremes, which are the sections left in the middle, are juicy and sweet for a clean flavour in your salad. Remove the segments from the membranes over a small mixing bowl to keep the juices for your dressing.
Dressing ideas and flavour pairings
We’ve featured a simple citrus salad dressing in this recipe, using the existing citrus juices and honey to brighten the flavours of the ingredients. However, you can vary this dressing for a citrus salad and create something closer to a citrus vinaigrette salad dressing that offers a sharpness to contrast the sweetness of the citrus fruit. Dijon mustard is often a welcome addition to this recipe, offering a tangy flavour.
To develop the salad, you can incorporate other flavour pairings to create a heartier dish. Crumbled cheese, such as feta, brings a salty, creamy element to the salad that’s ideal with the soft and sweet citrus fruit. To add a crunchy texture to the salad, try topping it with a selection of nuts. Toasted hazelnuts and walnuts are delicious with the citrus fruit and seasonal flavours during the winter months. Finally, if you want to add a kick of heat to the salad, slices of red chilli peppers are a fun and unusual combination with the citrus fruit.
How to serve and store
A citrus salad can be enjoyed on its own, straight from the salad bowl, as a nutritious side or main course. For a more filling meal, plate it with roasted chicken, smoked salmon, or poached eggs for a refined brunch option.
You can store any leftover citrus salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The citrus will start to break down and cause the salad to become soggy after this time, so it should be consumed on the day of making or the day after for optimal freshness. And for more information on how to source and store the best citrus fruit, we have a detailed guide available to make sure you’re making your salad with the freshest ingredients possible.
