Riviera Bliss Fruit and Greens Salad with Citrus Honey Vinaigrette
Experience the essence of the French Riviera with this vibrant and refreshing salad that captures the flavors of summer. With a delightful mix of juicy peaches, nectarines, and fresh berries resting on a bed of tender mixed greens, this dish is a true celebration of nature's bounty. The homemade citrus honey vinaigrette adds a sweet and zesty touch that elevates each bite. Perfect for a light lunch or a stunning side dish at dinner, this salad transports you to sun-drenched shores with every delicious forkful. Adapted from an inspired online source, it’s a harmonious blend of fruits and greens that celebrates the warmth and beauty of the Côte d'Azur.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry white wine
1/2 cup (None)
honey
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons (Use as a sweetener for the dressing)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Preferably from Meyer lemons)
finely chopped fresh lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon (Grate the outer layer of lemon peel finely)
finely chopped fresh lemon verbena
2 tablespoons (optional) (Finely chop for garnish and flavor)
granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (None)
mixed baby lettuce greens
4 generous handfuls (Wash and dry thoroughly)
fresh peach
1 (Slice just before serving)
fresh nectarine
1 (Slice just before serving)
fresh raspberries
1/2 cup (None)
lemon balm or mint leaf
for garnish (Wash and prepare for garnish)
Instructions
1
Prepare the dressing by combining the dry white wine, honey, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped lemon zest, optional lemon verbena, and granulated sugar in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2
Refrigerate the dressing for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and to chill.
3
Just before serving, wash and dry the mixed baby lettuce greens thoroughly. Divide the greens into four generous salad plates.
4
Slice the fresh peach and nectarine thinly and artfully arrange the fruit slices on top of the greens.
5
Sprinkle the fresh raspberries and chopped lemon verbena (if using) over the salads.
6
Generously drizzle the chilled citrus honey vinaigrette over each salad, ensuring each ingredient gets a touch of the dressing.
7
Garnish each salad with fresh lemon balm or mint leaves for an aromatic finish.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors reminiscent of the beautiful French Riviera.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Riviera Bliss Fruit and Greens Salad?
It is a vibrant, refreshing summer salad featuring mixed greens, juicy peaches, nectarines, and fresh berries, finished with a homemade citrus honey vinaigrette inspired by the French Riviera.
What ingredients are needed for the citrus honey vinaigrette?
The dressing consists of dry white wine, honey, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped lemon zest, optional lemon verbena, and granulated sugar.
How should the dressing be prepared?
Combine the dry white wine, honey, lemon juice, zest, optional lemon verbena, and sugar in a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Does the dressing need to be chilled?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate the dressing for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to chill the mixture.
What type of lemons are best for this recipe?
While fresh lemon juice is required, Meyer lemons are specifically preferred for their unique citrus flavor.
What types of fruit are included in the salad?
The recipe calls for fresh peaches, fresh nectarines, and fresh raspberries.
How should I prepare the peaches and nectarines?
The peaches and nectarines should be thinly sliced just before serving to maintain freshness and artfully arranged on top of the greens.
What kind of greens are used in this recipe?
The salad uses four generous handfuls of mixed baby lettuce greens, which should be washed and dried thoroughly.
Is lemon verbena required?
No, lemon verbena is an optional ingredient used both in the dressing and as a garnish for extra flavor.
What herbs are recommended for the final garnish?
Fresh lemon balm or mint leaves are used as a garnish for an aromatic finish.
Is this salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only fruits, greens, and honey-based dressing.
How many ingredients are in this salad?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the optional lemon verbena and the garnishes.
Can I use frozen fruit for this salad?
Fresh fruit is highly recommended to capture the essence of a summer salad and for the best texture.
When should the dressing be applied?
The chilled citrus honey vinaigrette should be generously drizzled over the salad just before serving.
What is the flavor profile of the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is sweet and zesty, balancing the honey and sugar with the acidity of lemon juice and white wine.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe uses one tablespoon of granulated sugar in addition to honey.
How should the lemon zest be prepared?
The outer layer of the lemon peel should be finely grated to produce 1/2 teaspoon of zest.
Does the recipe contain alcohol?
Yes, the dressing includes 1/2 cup of dry white wine.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The instructions suggest dividing the greens into four generous salad plates, making it suitable for 4 servings.
What is the best way to serve the salad?
Serve it immediately after drizzling with the dressing and garnishing with fresh herbs to ensure the greens remain crisp.
Is this a light or heavy meal?
It is described as a light meal, perfect for lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
Can I substitute the raspberries?
While raspberries are specified, other fresh summer berries would likely work well in this French Riviera-inspired dish.
What makes this salad 'Riviera Bliss'?
It celebrates the flavors of the Côte d'Azur by using fresh, sun-drenched summer fruits and a bright citrus dressing.
Should the greens be pre-washed?
The recipe instructs to wash and dry the mixed baby lettuce greens thoroughly just before serving.
How is the honey used in this recipe?
Three tablespoons plus two teaspoons of honey are used as a primary sweetener in the citrus vinaigrette.
What texture should the dressing have?
The dressing should be blended until it is smooth and creamy in texture.
Can I prepare the fruit in advance?
It is recommended to slice the peach and nectarine just before serving to prevent browning and keep them fresh.
Is the lemon verbena used in the salad or just the dressing?
Finely chopped lemon verbena can be used both within the blender for the dressing and sprinkled over the salad as a garnish.
Are there nuts or cheese in this salad?
No, this specific recipe focuses on fruits, greens, and a honey-citrus vinaigrette without nuts or cheese.
What is the main aromatic component of this dish?
The aromatic finish comes from a combination of lemon zest, lemon verbena, and fresh lemon balm or mint leaves.