Get ready to brighten up your day with Citrus Arugula Salad! This deliciously fresh combination of peppery arugula, juicy orange and grapefruit, tangy red onion, and creamy feta cheese is tossed together with toasted nuts and a zippy sweet-tart dressing. The result? A punchy, colorful salad that feels like pure sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant side or a refreshing main dish, Citrus Arugula Salad brings bold flavors and beautiful textures to any table — and it’s on the menu in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Citrus Arugula Salad comes from its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, lending unique flavors and vibrant colors to the final dish. Let’s run through what you’ll need, along with a few helpful tips for picking and prepping each component!
- Fresh Arugula (5 ounces): Choose baby arugula for the best tender bite and mildly peppery flavor — this is the leafy green foundation of the salad.
- Orange, peeled and sliced (1): A navel orange is perfect for sweet wedges; slice off all the pith for maximum juiciness and a clean look.
- Grapefruit, peeled and segmented (1): Ruby red grapefruit adds gorgeous color and a little tartness; be sure to segment it for bursts of citrusy juice in every bite.
- Thinly Sliced Red Onion (1/4 cup): Soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow their sharpness if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese (1/4 cup): Creamy, salty feta cheese brings just the right amount of tang and richness.
- Chopped Toasted Walnuts or Pecans (1/4 cup): Toasting the nuts highlights their natural sweetness and adds satisfying crunch — choose your favorite or use a mix!
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for a fruity, velvety dressing base.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): The acidity from freshly squeezed lemon brings the dressing to life and brightens up every flavor in the bowl.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (1 teaspoon): Either sweetener will balance the tart citrus and give the dressing a lovely, subtle richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are the finishing touch to heighten all the other ingredients.
How to Make Citrus Arugula Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Citrus
Start by peeling and slicing your orange, and sectioning your grapefruit into juicy segments. Take a moment to remove all the bitter white pith — it’s a little detail that really heightens the fresh, vibrant appeal of your Citrus Arugula Salad. Arrange the citrus on a plate or bowl so you’re ready to layer up.
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
In your largest salad bowl, pile in the fresh arugula leaves. Scatter the orange slices and grapefruit segments right over the top, aiming for a playful mix of colors. Sprinkle in the thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts or pecans, so every forkful offers a taste of something special.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
Grab a small bowl or a liquid measuring cup and combine the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is glossy and fully blended — this simple dressing brings a beautiful harmony of sweet, tart, and savory to your Citrus Arugula Salad.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the fresh dressing all over the assembled salad. Use clean hands or salad tongs to gently toss everything together, so each leaf and piece of fruit gets just a light coating. Try not to overmix — you want to keep some pretty pieces of citrus and feta visible on top for a stunning presentation.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Citrus Arugula Salad is at its absolute best when served right after tossing. The arugula stays crisp, the citrus juicy, and the nuts crunchy. Bring it straight to the table and get ready for all the oohs and ahhs!
How to Serve Citrus Arugula Salad
Garnishes
Finish your Citrus Arugula Salad with extra touches like a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a few more crumbles of feta, or a handful of microgreens for even more color. If you love a hint of heat, a tiny dash of crushed red pepper adds a surprising zing that pairs beautifully with the citrus.
Side Dishes
This salad loves company! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a hearty grain dish like farro pilaf for a complete meal. It’s also the perfect partner for crusty bread — let the salad dressing double as a dipper for extra flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Citrus Arugula Salad the star of your table by layering the ingredients on a wide platter for a family-style presentation. Think about using blood oranges or mandarin oranges for a colorful twist. Or, take it up a notch by arranging individual salad plates with a few elegant citrus slices on top for an impressive dinner party starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Citrus Arugula Salad, pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one day. The greens may wilt slightly from the dressing, but the flavor will remain bright and delicious. For best results, try not to overdress the salad if you anticipate having leftovers.
Freezing
Unfortunately, Citrus Arugula Salad doesn’t freeze well. The fresh greens and juicy fruit lose their texture after freezing and thawing. It’s truly a salad best enjoyed fresh, so prepare only as much as you’ll eat within a day or two.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Citrus Arugula Salad — it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you’ve stored leftovers in the fridge, just let them sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Citrus Arugula Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can get a head start by prepping all the components: slice the citrus, crumble the feta, toast the nuts, and whisk the dressing. Keep everything separate in the fridge, then just toss together right before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.
What’s the best way to segment grapefruit and orange?
To segment citrus, slice off both ends of the fruit, then carefully cut away all the peel and white pith. Working over a bowl to catch juices, use a sharp knife to cut out each segment between the membranes. It takes a little practice but results in juicy, pith-free slices perfect for Citrus Arugula Salad!
Can I substitute the nuts or cheese?
Of course! Try goat cheese instead of feta for a tangier, ultra-creamy bite, or swap walnuts and pecans for sliced almonds or even pistachios. The salad is flexible, so use what you have and love.
How can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Top your Citrus Arugula Salad with grilled chicken, roasted shrimp, or flaky salmon to turn it into a complete and satisfying meal. A scoop of quinoa, chickpeas, or white beans is another easy way to add plant-based protein and make it more filling.
What other fruits can I use?
Blood oranges, mandarins, or even tangerines bring variety and wonderful color to the salad. You can also experiment with thinly sliced strawberries, sliced peaches, or pomegranate arils, especially when citrus isn’t at its peak.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in need of a cheerful, flavor-packed salad that’s as easy as it is gorgeous, look no further than Citrus Arugula Salad. It’s become a kitchen staple for me, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it too. Try it once, and I promise it’ll find its way into your regular salad lineup!
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Citrus Arugula Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Citrus Arugula Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together the peppery flavor of arugula with the bright, tangy citrus fruits like orange and grapefruit. Topped with feta cheese, nuts, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Arugula Salad:
- 5 ounces fresh arugula
Citrus and Toppings:
- 1 orange, peeled and sliced
- 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, orange slices, grapefruit segments, red onion, feta cheese, and nuts.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Combine and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken or salmon.
- Blood oranges or mandarin oranges can be used as a colorful variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
