There is something truly magical about bright, fresh flavors coming together in the Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe. This salad bursts with vibrant colors, zesty citrus slices, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta, making it the perfect way to celebrate the cooler months. Crisp baby greens provide a fresh backdrop, while a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette gently ties everything together. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a standout side, or a stunning dish to impress guests, this salad brings warmth and brightness to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity, featuring just a handful of essential ingredients that each bring their unique charm. From the sweet and tangy citrus to the crunchy pomegranate arils and tangy feta, these components work harmoniously to create layers of texture, color, and flavor.
- Citrus fruits: Use a mix like grapefruit, Cara Cara orange, and tangerine for a colorful, bright foundation.
- Shallot: Thin slices add a subtle sharpness and aromatic depth.
- Mixed baby greens: These tender greens offer freshness and a delicate crunch.
- Pomegranate seeds: Jewel-like and bursting with sweet-tart flavor, they add a lovely pop of color and texture.
- Feta cheese: Crumbly and salty, it provides a creamy contrast that balances the sweet fruits.
- Olive oil: The base for the dressing, adding richness.
- Garlic clove: Used to infuse the olive oil with gentle aroma and flavor.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness and acidity.
- Lemon zest: Adds delicate citrus fragrance.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides tang and depth to the vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Olive Oil
Start by crushing a garlic clove and peeling it, then let it marinate in olive oil for about 10 minutes. This little step imparts a gentle garlic flavor into the oil, elevating the salad dressing without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Citrus
Trim both ends of each citrus fruit, then carefully run a paring knife along the sides to remove the peel and pith. Slice the peeled fruit into paper-thin rounds about 1/4 inch thick. This not only looks elegant but also ensures every bite is sweet, tangy, and refreshing.
Step 3: Slice the Shallot and Toss with Greens
Slice shallot into very thin rings and gently toss them with the mixed baby greens. This allows the oniony sharpness to mellow and blend into the fresh greens, adding a subtle depth.
Step 4: Make the Vinaigrette
Remove the garlic clove from the infused olive oil and discard it. To the oil, whisk in red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The result is a bright, tangy dressing that highlights all salad ingredients wonderfully.
Step 5: Dress the Greens
Lightly toss the dressed shallot and greens with half of the vinaigrette mixture so that they are lightly coated but still fresh and crisp.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad
On a large serving dish, layer half the dressed greens, then half the citrus slices. Sprinkle half the feta cheese and pomegranate seeds over the top. Repeat this layering with the remaining greens, citrus, feta, and pomegranate. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette across the layered salad to finish.
How to Serve Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle a few fresh mint leaves or chopped pistachios over the salad. These add a lovely herbal note and subtle crunch that pairs perfectly with the tangy feta and sweet citrus.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with hearty winter dishes like roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even alongside a creamy risotto. It acts as a fresh, zesty contrast to richer mains and brings a refreshing lift to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this salad in clear glass bowls or on a large white platter to showcase the vibrant colors. You can also present individual portions layered in small jars or bottles, making it an eye-catching appetizer for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, though the citrus slices may release some juice and soften slightly. It’s best enjoyed within a day or two for peak freshness and texture.
Freezing
This salad is not suited for freezing due to the fresh greens, citrus, and feta cheese. These ingredients will lose their texture and freshness once thawed.
Reheating
Since this salad is meant to be served fresh and cold, reheating is not recommended. The delicate greens and juicy fruit will not hold up well to heat.
FAQs
Can I use any other types of citrus?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with blood oranges, regular oranges, or even tangy calamansi. Each will bring a unique flavor and color to your salad.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
If you want a milder taste or prefer a dairy-free option, try crumbled goat cheese or a tangy vegan cheese alternative. Both work well with the salad’s bright flavors.
Can I prepare the vinaigrette in advance?
Yes, you can mix the vinaigrette up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature and whisk again before tossing it with the salad.
What if I don’t have pomegranate seeds?
You can substitute chopped pomegranate arils with dried cranberries or even fresh red currants for a similar burst of tart sweetness and texture.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about the Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe that lights up even the chilliest days. Its fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures make it a standout in any meal rotation. I encourage you to give this beautiful salad a try—you’ll find it’s an uplifting treat that brings a smile to the table every time.
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Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant winter salad featuring a delightful mix of citrus fruits, baby greens, pomegranate seeds, and crumbly feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty homemade garlic-lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish to add a burst of color and flavor to your winter menu.
Ingredients
Produce
- 3 pieces of citrus fruit (grapefruit, Cara Cara orange, and tangerine)
- 1 shallot
- 2 ounces mixed baby greens
- 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Dairy
- 2 ounces crumbly feta cheese
Pantry
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Marinate Garlic: Crush the garlic clove, remove the skin, and place it in the olive oil. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Prepare Citrus: Cut off both ends of the citrus fruits. Use a paring knife to carefully remove the peel and pith by slicing down the sides. Then slice the fruit into 1/4 inch rounds.
- Slice Shallot and Toss Greens: Thinly slice the shallot and toss it together with the mixed baby greens.
- Make Vinaigrette: Remove and discard the garlic clove from the olive oil. Add red wine vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the olive oil. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Toss Greens with Vinaigrette: Toss the mixed greens and shallots with half of the prepared vinaigrette to coat evenly.
- Assemble Salad: On a large serving dish, place half of the coated greens, followed by half the citrus rounds. Sprinkle half of the feta cheese and pomegranate seeds over the top. Repeat layering with the remaining ingredients, then drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, ripe citrus fruits.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to taste.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce marinating time or omit the garlic clove in the oil.
- Can be served immediately or chilled briefly before serving.
- To make this salad vegan, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely.
