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Vibrant Winter Citrus Salad with Arugula and Pomegranate

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A bright, tangy, and refreshing winter salad combining peppery arugula, juicy citrus segments, and crunchy pomegranate seeds, dressed with a simple honey-balsamic vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups arugula (about 120g), washed and dried
  • 3 cups assorted citrus fruits, peeled and segmented (2 medium oranges, 2 small grapefruits, 1 medium tangelo or tangerine)
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds (about 80g), fresh preferred
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • A handful fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped or torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: toasted almonds or walnuts, feta cheese crumbles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the citrus: Wash fruits thoroughly, peel skin and remove white pith. Segment fruits by cutting between membranes to get about 3 cups total. This takes about 10-12 minutes.
  2. Dry the arugula: Use a salad spinner or pat dry gently with a towel to remove excess water (2-3 minutes).
  3. Slice the red onion thinly. To mellow sharpness, soak slices in cold water for 5 minutes then drain.
  4. Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste (about 2 minutes).
  5. Assemble the salad: In a mixing bowl, combine arugula, citrus segments, pomegranate seeds, sliced onion, and mint leaves. Drizzle dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly (3-4 minutes).
  6. Optional toppings: Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking frequently. Let cool before adding. Add nuts or feta if desired.
  7. Serve immediately on a platter or bowl. If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate until serving.

Notes

Use a sharp knife and take your time segmenting citrus to avoid bitter pith and juice loss. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising citrus. Add pomegranate seeds just before serving to maintain crunch. Dressing can be made vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Store salad and dressing separately if prepping ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: winter salad, citrus salad, arugula salad, pomegranate, healthy salad, easy salad, vegan option, holiday salad

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/vibrant-winter-citrus-salad-recipe-with-arugula-and-pomegranate-easy-and-refreshing/