Zesty Citrus & Cumin Salad
This refreshing Zesty Citrus & Cumin Salad is a vibrant blend of sweet and tangy citrus fruits, crunchy endives, and aromatic herbs, perfectly complemented by a spiced cumin vinaigrette. Ideal for any occasion, this salad not only showcases the rich flavors of the Southwestern region but also draws inspiration from African and Middle Eastern cuisines. You can prepare the fruits and dressing a day in advance, making this salad an effortless dish for gatherings. The eye-catching presentation and delightful taste will leave your guests craving more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Citrus juice
2/3 cup (Reserved from salad fruit)
Olive oil
2/3 cup (None)
White wine vinegar
1/3 cup (None)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard
1 tablespoon (None)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Red leaf lettuce
18 leaves (Cut in half crosswise)
Endives
3 (Sliced)
Fennel
1/4 cup (Sliced in slivers (optional))
Grapefruits
3 large (Peeled, sectioned, and seeded, 1/3 cup juice reserved)
Oranges
2 large (Peeled, sectioned, and seeded, 1/3 cup juice reserved)
Red onion
1 large (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the cumin vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup reserved citrus juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
2
Next, prepare the salad base. On a large serving platter, arrange the red leaf lettuce leaves in a fanned-out pattern along the edge.
3
In the center of the platter, place the remaining lettuce leaves, followed by a colorful arrangement of sliced endives and the sectioned grapefruit and orange pieces.
4
Sprinkle the chopped red onion and optional fennel slivers over the top for added crunch and flavor.
5
When ready to serve, drizzle the cumin vinaigrette generously over the salad to ensure every bite is flavorful.
6
Toss gently if desired and enjoy immediately with your friends and family!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Citrus & Cumin Salad?
It is a refreshing, vibrant blend of sweet and tangy citrus fruits, crunchy endives, and aromatic herbs, served with a spiced cumin vinaigrette.
What type of lettuce is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 18 leaves of red leaf lettuce, cut in half crosswise.
How many grapefruits and oranges are required?
You will need 3 large grapefruits and 2 large oranges, both peeled, sectioned, and seeded.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the citrus fruits and the dressing a day in advance for an effortless assembly later.
What ingredients are in the cumin vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of reserved citrus juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Is fennel required for this salad?
No, the 1/4 cup of fennel slivers is optional and added for extra crunch and flavor.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/3 cup of white wine vinegar.
How much olive oil is needed for the dressing?
You will need 2/3 cup of olive oil.
Can I use a substitute for Dijon mustard?
Yes, you can use spicy brown mustard as an alternative to Dijon mustard.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
What is the recommended serving arrangement?
Arrange red leaf lettuce in a fanned-out pattern on a large platter, placing more lettuce, endives, and fruit sections in the center.
How should the red onion be prepared?
You should use 1 large red onion and chop it before sprinkling it over the salad.
What regional cuisines inspired this dish?
The dish draws inspiration from Southwestern, African, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
How much citrus juice is needed for the dressing?
The dressing uses 2/3 cup of reserved citrus juice collected while sectioning the fruit.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Zesty Citrus & Cumin Salad is tagged as a vegetarian dish.
When should the dressing be added?
Drizzle the cumin vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to ensure every bite is flavorful.
How many endives are needed?
The recipe requires 3 sliced endives.
What is the amount of cumin used?
One teaspoon of ground cumin is used in the vinaigrette.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, refreshing dish suitable for various occasions.
Should I toss the salad before serving?
Tossing is optional; you can toss gently if desired or simply drizzle the dressing over the arranged platter.
How much salt and pepper are in the vinaigrette?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What kind of occasions is this salad ideal for?
It is perfect for gatherings, parties, and as a summer dish or appetizer.
What makes the salad crunchy?
The crunch comes from the endives, red onion, and optional fennel slivers.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 14 ingredients in total for this recipe.
How do I prepare the lettuce?
The red leaf lettuce should be washed and cut in half crosswise.
Can I use different citrus fruits?
The recipe specifically calls for grapefruits and oranges to achieve its zesty profile.
What does the dressing taste like?
It is a spiced vinaigrette with earthy notes from cumin and a tang from citrus and vinegar.
Is this a spicy dish?
While it contains cumin and garlic, it is generally refreshing rather than hot-spicy, though using spicy brown mustard can add a little kick.
How should I section the fruit?
Peeled, sectioned, and seeded, while making sure to reserve the juice for the dressing.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is sweet, tangy, and aromatic.