Pin A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring juicy winter citrus, mixed greens, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a light honey-citrus vinaigrette. Perfect for brightening up winter meals.
This salad became a family favorite last winter when I wanted something light yet satisfying after holiday meals.
Ingredients
- Citrus: 2 large oranges (such as navel or Cara Cara) peeled and sliced, 1 large grapefruit peeled and sliced, 1 blood orange peeled and sliced
- Greens: 120 g (4 cups) mixed baby greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)
- Cheese: 60 g (2 oz) goat cheese crumbled
- Candied Pecans: 75 g (2/3 cup) pecan halves, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, pinch of sea salt
- Dressing: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the candied pecans:
- In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the pecans and sugar, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and pecans are coated and toasted, about 3&4 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt and spread onto parchment paper to cool.
- Prepare the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble the salad:
- Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter or in a salad bowl. Scatter the citrus slices evenly over the greens.
- Top with crumbled goat cheese and cooled candied pecans.
- Drizzle the salad with the dressing just before serving.
- Toss gently to combine.
Pin My kids love to help scatter the colorful citrus slices over the greens which makes it a fun dish to prepare together.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with a splash of citrus for a refreshing meal.
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (pecans) and dairy (goat cheese). For nut-free: omit pecans or use roasted pumpkin seeds. For dairy-free: omit goat cheese or use a plant-based substitute.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 265, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 20 g, Protein 5 g.
Pin Enjoy this salad fresh for optimal flavor and texture every time you prepare it.
Recipe Questions
- → How are the candied pecans prepared?
Pecans are toasted in butter and sugar over medium heat until coated and caramelized, then sprinkled with sea salt and cooled on parchment paper to maintain crunch.
- → Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives. Adjust toasting time accordingly to ensure they remain crunchy without burning.
- → What type of citrus works best in this salad?
Using a mix of navel oranges, grapefruit, and blood oranges gives the salad a bright, complex citrus flavor and colorful presentation.
- → Is there a recommended dressing for this salad?
A light honey-citrus vinaigrette balanced with Dijon mustard, olive oil, and fresh orange juice enhances the citrus and complements the greens and cheese.
- → Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, omit the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative to accommodate dairy-free diets while keeping rich texture.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with citrus is ideal to refresh the palate alongside the bright, sweet, and tangy flavors.