Citrus Zest and Crunch Salad
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Citrus Zest and Crunch Salad! Packed with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh oranges and the delightful crunch of peanuts, this salad offers a refreshing twist that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of boston lettuce, red onion, and a zesty homemade dressing harmonizes beautifully, making this dish not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at your next gathering, or a nutritious addition to your meal prep, this salad is sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Seedless oranges
2 (peeled and sectioned)
Boston lettuce
1 head (broken into small pieces)
Red onion
1/2 medium (sliced and separated)
Peanuts
1/2 cup (crushed)
Garlic clove
1 (peeled)
Orange juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons
Prepared mustard
1/4 teaspoon
Orange peel
2 teaspoons (grated)
Oil
2 tablespoons (any light oil like olive or vegetable)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the seedless oranges. Carefully section the oranges, removing any membranes for a cleaner presentation.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broken pieces of boston lettuce, orange sections, sliced red onion, and crushed peanuts. Toss gently to incorporate the ingredients without bruising the lettuce.
3
For the dressing, in a blender, combine the garlic clove, orange juice, wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, prepared mustard, grated orange peel, and oil. Blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning if necessary.
4
Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the salad mixture in the bowl. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
5
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or allow to chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Citrus Zest and Crunch Salad?
The salad features a vibrant, sweet, and tangy flavor profile driven by fresh oranges and a zesty homemade citrus dressing.
What provides the 'crunch' in this recipe?
The delightful crunch comes from 1/2 cup of crushed peanuts added to the salad mixture.
What type of lettuce is recommended for this salad?
The recipe calls for one head of Boston lettuce, broken into small pieces.
How should the oranges be prepared?
You should use two seedless oranges, peeled and sectioned with membranes removed for a cleaner presentation.
Is this Citrus Zest and Crunch Salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegan as it contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free based on the ingredients and tags provided.
What ingredients are needed for the zesty dressing?
The dressing consists of a garlic clove, orange juice, wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, prepared mustard, grated orange peel, and oil.
How do I make the dressing smooth and creamy?
Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender and blend on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth.
What type of oil should I use for the dressing?
Any light oil is suitable, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
How much orange juice is required for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Does the recipe use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, it calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How should the red onion be prepared?
Use 1/2 of a medium red onion, sliced and separated into rings or pieces.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the acidity of the citrus and vinegar.
What kind of mustard is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of prepared mustard.
Should the garlic be cooked or raw?
The recipe uses one peeled, raw garlic clove that is blended directly into the dressing.
How much orange peel should I grate?
You will need 2 teaspoons of grated orange peel for the dressing.
How do I ensure the lettuce doesn't get bruised?
When combining the lettuce with other ingredients, toss gently to incorporate everything without damaging the leaves.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, you can serve it immediately, or chill it for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick recipe' and is easy to assemble once the ingredients are prepped.
Is the Citrus Zest and Crunch Salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the description notes it is a nutritious addition to meal prep, though it is best to keep dressing separate until serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including the produce and the dressing components.
What kind of vinegar works best?
The recipe recommends 1 1/2 tablespoons of wine vinegar.
Is this a main course or a side dish?
It is versatile and can be served as a light lunch, a side dish, or part of a larger meal.
What is the best way to crush the peanuts?
While not specified, you can typically crush them using a mortar and pestle or by placing them in a bag and using a rolling pin.
Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?
A blender is required to properly emulsify and smooth the citrus dressing.
How should the salad be coated with dressing?
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture in a large bowl and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Is the orange juice in the dressing used for flavor or texture?
It serves both purposes, providing a bright citrus base for the flavor and liquid for the dressing's consistency.
What are the recommended tags for this dish?
Tags include healthy, vegan, gluten-free, quick recipe, side dish, and nutritious.
Can I use any type of orange?
The recipe specifically recommends seedless oranges for ease of preparation and eating.
Why should I remove the membranes from the orange sections?
Removing the membranes provides a cleaner presentation and a better texture for the salad.