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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast + Brunch

    Winter Citrus Salad Recipe

    Published: Jan 11, 2022 · Modified: Feb 8, 2023 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

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    Jump to Recipe
    sliced citrus salad with dressing and pistachios on a brown tray
    sliced citrus salad with dressing and chopped pisatchios on a brown tray with a spoon
    sliced citrus salad with dressing and pistachios on a brown tray

    This winter citrus salad recipe is layered with sliced oranges, lemons and grapefruit and topped off with a maple ginger vanilla dressing and chopped pistachios. This refreshingly easy salad is perfect for brunch or breakfast!

    sliced citrus salad on a brown tray topped with chopped pistachios with citrus and peels around

    This post was originally published in February 2020 and has been updated for content.

    Cooking seasonally means taking advantage of all of the seasons best produce. In the winter months, citrus is at its peak, and there are so many varieties to choose from at that time of year.

    This vibrant salad incorporates five different types of citrus fruits and is finished off with a slightly sweet dressing that creates the perfect balance of flavors.

    This refreshing salad would be great served for brunch during citrus season with blueberry streusel muffins, old fashioned buttermilk pancakes or cheddar chive biscuits.

    Jump to:
    • 🍊 Ingredient notes
    • 📋 Substitutions and variations
    • 🔪 Step by step instructions
    • ⭐ Expert tips
    • 💭 Frequently asked questions
    • ⏲️ Make ahead and storage instructions
    • 🥗 More salad recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    🍊 Ingredient notes

    meyer lemons, grapefruit, cara cara, mandarin and blood oranges, maple syrup, salt, ginger and pistachios
    • Citrus - This winter citrus fruit salad is made up of pink grapefruit, mandarin oranges, blood oranges, cara cara oranges and meyer lemons. Other varieties of citrus that aren't too tart can also be used. Things like tangerines, satsumas, navel oranges, pomelos or kumquats would be great.
    • Dressing - This simple dressing is made out of maple syrup, fresh ginger and vanilla extract. It adds a hint of sweetness to the juicy citrus, but can be omitted if desired.
    • Pistachios - These slightly salty, buttery nuts add a nice flavor and crunch to this salad. Sliced almonds, chopped pecans or even toasted sesame seeds could be used as a substitute.

    📋 Substitutions and variations

    • Big Salad - Serve this salad over fresh greens to make it an even more filling side or main dish. Arugula, spinach, endive, kale or watercress would all be great options.
    • Extra Toppings - Sliced fresh fennel, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese or avocado slices would be other beautiful additions to this salad.

    🔪 Step by step instructions

    First, using a sharp knife, cut the peel and as much pith off of the citrus. Then, slice all of the citrus into thin slices.

    assorted citrus on a cutting board with a knife being peeled and sliced

    Next, whisk together the maple syrup, fresh ginger, vanilla extract and a little bit of salt in a bowl or shake together in a mason jar. Arrange the grapefruit, lemon and orange slices on a platter or serving dish, making sure to mix and layer fruit throughout.

    whisk in a bowl of brown liquid with citrus peels around and sliced citrus on tray

    Drizzle the dressing all over the fresh fruit and then sprinkle everything with the chopped pistachios.

    spoon drizzling dressing over citrus salad and citrus salad topped with chopped pistachios on tray

    If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in the Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information.


    ⭐ Expert tips

    • To easily peel citrus, start by slicing a thin slice off of the top and bottom of the citrus to expose the fruit. Then, using the fruit as a guide, run the knife underneath the pith and peel from top to bottom in a strip to expose the fruit. Continue doing this all the way around until all of the pith and peel have been removed.
    • Slice the fruit into ¼ - ½ inch slices to make for easy serving and eating.
    • Don't dress the salad or add the pistachios until right before serving to avoid the salad from getting soggy.
    • This fresh citrus salad can be serving chilled or at room temperature.
    sliced citrus salad on white plate with a fork in front of tray of citrus salad

    💭 Frequently asked questions

    What pairs well with citrus salad?

    Citrus salad pairs well with seafood or grilled chicken for lunch and dinner. It also pairs well with savory egg dishes and pastries for breakfast or brunch.

    ⏲️ Make ahead and storage instructions

    The citrus and dressing for this fresh salad can be prepared and stored separately up to 24 hours ahead of time.

    Remove the peels and pith from the citrus and slice it thinly. Layer it on the serving platter, cover it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The dressing should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be added to the salad along with the pistachios at serving time.

    Leftover citrus salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

    For a quick overview of this recipe, check out my web story for this easy citrus salad!

    🥗 More salad recipes

    If you loved this winter citrus salad recipe, try these other salad recipes that I know you will love too!

    • Italian Seafood Salad
    • Melon and Prosicutto Salad
    • Italian Celery Salad

    Don't Forget! If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me on Facebook and Instagram as well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.


    📖 Recipe

    sliced citrus salad on a brown try topped with chopped pistachios

    Winter Citrus Salad Recipe

    Amanda
    This winter citrus salad recipe is layered with sliced oranges, lemons and grapefruit and topped off with a maple ginger vanilla dressing and chopped pistachios. This refreshingly easy salad is perfect for brunch or breakfast!
    5 from 20 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Breakfast, Brunch, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 5 servings
    Calories 158 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 large grapefruit
    • 2 medium blood oranges
    • 2 medium cara cara oranges
    • 2 medium meyer lemons
    • 2 medium mandarin oranges
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 pinch kosher salt
    • ⅛ cup shelled pistachios chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the peels and pith off all of the citrus and cut them it into ¼ - ½ inch slices. Layer the sliced citrus on a platter or serving plate. 
    • In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, ginger, vanilla, and salt and whisk to combine. Drizzle the dressing over all of the sliced citrus and top with chopped pistachios.

    Notes

    • To peel citrus, start by slicing a thin slice off of the top and bottom of the citrus to expose the fruit. Then, using the fruit as a guide, run the knife underneath the pith and peel from top to bottom in a strip to expose the fruit. Continue doing this all the way around until all of the pith and peel have been removed.
    • Don't dress the salad or add the pistachios until right before serving to avoid the salad from getting soggy.
    • Citrus salad pairs well with seafood or grilled chicken for lunch and dinner. It also pairs well with savory egg dishes and pastries for breakfast or brunch.
     

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Citrus - Tangerines, satsumas, tangelos, navel oranges, pomelos or kumquats are other varieties of citrus that can be used. 
    • Pistachios - Sliced almonds, chopped pecans or toasted sesame seeds can be used as a substitute.
    • Big Salad - Serve this salad over greens to make it an even more filling side or main dish. Arugula, spinach, endive, kale or watercress would all be great options.
    • Extra Toppings - Sliced fresh fennel, goat cheese, pomegranate arils or avocado would be other great additions to this salad.
     

    Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

    The citrus and dressing for this salad can be prepared and stored separately up to 24 hours ahead of time. Remove the peels and pith from the citrus and slice it thinly. Layer it on the serving platter, cover it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The dressing should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be added to the salad along with the pistachios at serving time.
    Leftover citrus salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
     
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 407mgFiber: 5gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 1252IUVitamin C: 86mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 1mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @SaporitoKitchen or tag #SaporitoKitchen!

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