Citrus Pecan Delight Salad
This vibrant Citrus Pecan Delight Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a refreshing dish. The juicy oranges and sweet dried cranberries are complemented by crunchy toasted pecans, creating a harmonious balance in every bite. Marinating the cranberries in orange juice enhances their flavor, while the light dressing of olive oil and white wine vinegar adds a zesty touch. Serve this salad as a refreshing appetizer or a side dish, and watch your guests be captivated by its colorful presentation and delicious taste!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
orange juice
1 cup (Freshly squeezed)
orange juice
3 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
dried cranberries
6 tablespoons (Soaked in orange juice)
olive oil
3 1/2 tablespoons (Extra virgin recommended)
white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (Plain or flavored)
grated orange peel
1 tablespoon (Zest from fresh orange)
mixed baby greens
6 cups (Washed and dried)
oranges
3 (Peeled, pith removed, and segmented)
pecans
3/4 cup (Toasted)
Instructions
1
In a heavy small saucepan, bring 1 cup of orange juice to a gentle simmer. Once heated, remove from the heat.
2
Stir in the dried cranberries, allowing them to soak and soften for approximately 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the cranberries, discarding the soaking juice.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, grated orange peel, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of orange juice until well blended. Stir in the softened cranberries.
4
Season the dressing to taste with salt and pepper, adjusting as desired. This dressing can be prepared up to one day in advance; simply cover and refrigerate, bringing to room temperature before serving.
5
In a large salad bowl, place the mixed baby greens and toss with two-thirds of the prepared dressing to evenly coat the leaves.
6
Divide the dressed greens among six individual plates.
7
In the same bowl, gently toss the orange segments with the remaining one-third of the dressing.
8
Top each salad with the dressed orange segments and sprinkle with toasted pecans for added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Pecan Delight Salad?
Citrus Pecan Delight Salad is a vibrant dish combining mixed greens, oranges, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans with a zesty citrus dressing.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include orange juice, dried cranberries, olive oil, white wine vinegar, orange zest, mixed baby greens, fresh oranges, and pecans.
How do you prepare the cranberries?
The cranberries are softened by soaking them in one cup of simmered orange juice for approximately 30 minutes.
How long should the cranberries soak?
The dried cranberries should soak in the heated orange juice for about 30 minutes until they are softened.
What type of greens are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for six cups of washed and dried mixed baby greens.
How many fresh oranges are needed?
You will need three fresh oranges, peeled and segmented, plus additional oranges for juice and zest.
Can the dressing be prepared in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
How should the dressing be stored?
Keep the dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.
What kind of vinegar is best for the dressing?
The recipe specifies two tablespoons of plain or flavored white wine vinegar.
How are the oranges prepared for the salad?
The oranges should be peeled with all pith removed and then cut into segments.
Do the pecans need to be toasted?
Yes, the pecans should be toasted to add crunch and flavor to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Citrus Pecan Delight Salad is categorized as a vegetarian dish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and features fresh fruit, nuts, and greens.
What type of oil is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe recommends using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
How much orange zest is required?
The dressing requires one tablespoon of grated orange peel or zest.
Is this a good dish for holiday gatherings?
Yes, the vibrant colors and festive ingredients make it perfect for holiday meals.
How should I season the dressing?
Whisk the dressing and then add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as desired.
What do I do with the orange juice used for soaking?
After the cranberries have finished soaking, you should drain them and discard the soaking juice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The instructions guide you to divide the salad among six individual plates.
How is the salad assembled?
Toss greens with dressing, plate them, then top with dressed orange segments and toasted pecans.
What is the flavor profile of the salad?
It offers a harmonious balance of juicy citrus, sweet cranberries, and savory toasted pecans.
Should the orange juice be freshly squeezed?
The recipe recommends freshly squeezed orange juice for both the soaking and the dressing.
How do I heat the orange juice for soaking?
Bring the juice to a gentle simmer in a heavy small saucepan, then remove it from the heat before adding cranberries.
When should the greens be tossed with the dressing?
Toss the greens with two-thirds of the dressing just before serving to ensure they stay fresh.
How are the orange segments dressed?
The orange segments are gently tossed with the remaining one-third of the dressing in a separate bowl.
Can I use flavored white wine vinegar?
Yes, the recipe allows for either plain or flavored white wine vinegar.
What temperature should the dressing be when served?
The dressing should be served at room temperature.
How are the cranberries incorporated into the dressing?
Once drained, the softened cranberries are stirred directly into the whisked dressing mixture.
What texture do the pecans provide?
Toasted pecans provide a necessary crunch that complements the soft oranges and greens.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, this salad works well as either a refreshing appetizer or a side dish for various occasions.