Citrus Bliss Salad with Onion and Basil
This Citrus Bliss Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of grapefruit, the sharpness of red onion, and the aromatic essence of fresh basil. Inspired by Giada DeLaurentiis, this delightful salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to complement your main course. With its quick preparation time and the burst of tangy balsamic vinegar, it’s a delightful medley of textures and tastes that everyone will love. Serve it chilled for an invigorating experience!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Grapefruit
2 (peeled and sliced)
Red onion
1/2 (peeled and thinly sliced)
Black olives
1/3 cup (pitted and chopped)
Fresh basil
1 cup (thinly sliced)
Chives
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Aged balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the grapefruit. Slice each grapefruit in half and carefully peel away the skin, then slice the flesh into thin rounds or wedges.
2
On a large serving platter, arrange the grapefruit slices in an overlapping pattern to create an inviting presentation.
3
Next, sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion evenly over the grapefruit, allowing its sharp flavor to mingle with the citrus.
4
Carefully add the chopped black olives to the salad, ensuring they're distributed for balanced bites.
5
Generously scatter the fresh basil and chopped chives on top, adding layers of fragrance and color.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the aged balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
7
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, ensuring an even coating of flavor across the ingredients.
8
Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Bliss Salad?
This Citrus Bliss Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of grapefruit, the sharpness of red onion, and the aromatic essence of fresh basil.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are grapefruit, red onion, black olives, fresh basil, chives, aged balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy dish featuring fresh fruit, herbs, and heart-healthy olive oil, making it perfect for a light meal.
What type of citrus is used?
The recipe specifically uses two fresh grapefruits.
Can I substitute the grapefruit?
While grapefruit is the intended citrus, you could use oranges or pomelos for a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I prepare the grapefruit for the salad?
Slice each grapefruit in half, peel away the skin, and then slice the flesh into thin rounds or wedges.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for half of a red onion, peeled and thinly sliced.
What is the dressing for the Citrus Bliss Salad?
The dressing is a whisked combination of 3 tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar and 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this salad is entirely plant-based and suitable for a vegan diet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this Citrus Bliss Salad are naturally gluten-free.
Who inspired this recipe?
This delightful salad is inspired by the culinary style of Giada DeLaurentiis.
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe is noted for its quick preparation time, though specific minutes are not listed.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The salad should be served chilled for the most invigorating experience.
What herbs are used in this dish?
The recipe uses one cup of thinly sliced fresh basil and two tablespoons of chopped chives.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it is best to drizzle the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.
How do I present the salad on a platter?
Arrange the grapefruit slices in an overlapping pattern on a large serving platter to create an inviting look.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, you can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to turn this side dish into a main course.
What role do the black olives play?
The black olives add a salty contrast to the sweet and tart flavors of the grapefruit and balsamic.
How should I distribute the ingredients?
Evenly sprinkle the onion, olives, basil, and chives over the layered grapefruit for balanced bites.
What type of vinegar is best?
Aged balsamic vinegar is recommended for its tangy and slightly sweet depth.
Is this a good summer dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer dish and is perfect for hot weather because of its refreshing qualities.
How do I prepare the olives?
The olives should be pitted and chopped before being added to the salad.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are highly recommended for their aromatic essence and color, but dried basil could be used in a much smaller amount if fresh is unavailable.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Does this salad contain any added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the grapefruit and the aged balsamic vinegar.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours for best quality.
Can I add nuts for texture?
Yes, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds would be a great addition for extra crunch.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the dish is tangy and sharp due to the onion and balsamic, but it does not contain spicy heat.
How do I combine the dressing?
Whisk the vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl until they are well combined before drizzling over the salad.