I love this beautiful winter citrus salad, it’s probably one of my favourite salad recipes. It’s so simple to put together and absolutely gorgeous.
My inspiration for this salad was the incredible colours of the blood oranges. The ombre hues of red and orange together are just gorgeous. Blood oranges don’t come out for long, but they are so worth it when they do. The are slightly sweet, slightly tangy and slightly bitter – the perfect combination of each and perfect for this salad.
Paired up with the sweet clementines and grapefruit, the fresh crunchy pomegranate seeds and herbaceous basil leaves; this salad is one for the books!
What you need for this winter citrus salad
Citrus fruit I used clementines, blood oranges and pink grapefruits. You can use whatever citrus fruits available. Navel oranges, tangerines, and cara caras are all great options.
Pomegranate seeds make sure to use fresh. The frozen ones are great for some things but not for this salad.
Fresh basil leaves are amazing in this salad, but if you’re having a hard time finding good fresh basil, mint would be a lovely substitute.
To dress the salad you’ll want a good extra virgin olive oil, a lemon, and salt and pepper. If you like things a bit sweeter, you might also want a little honey or agave.
How to peel and cut citrus fruits for this salad recipe
I like to use thinly sliced peeled rounds of these bright, beautiful citrus fruits. I use clementines, blood oranges and pink grapefruit; but you can substitute navel oranges, ruby red grapefruits, tangerines and more.
You’ll cut the ends off of the citrus fruits. Using a sharp knife, stand the fruit upright and slide the knife just under the peel, Slice from top to bottom removing the peel and any white pith, following the curve of the fruit.
Then slice the citrus into rounds about 1/4 inch thick and lay them in alternating colors on your serving platter or plates.
Benefits of this simple citrus salad
It’s no coincidence that citrus fruits are in season at the perfect time – when colds and flus are floating around and we could all use a little boost in our immune systems.
Citrus fruits are packed with:
Multiple micronutrients like Vitamin C, potassium, phosphorous, and magnesium.
Additionally, they are rich in various plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These compounds include dozens of varieties of flavonoids, carotenoids and essential oils, providing much of the benefit.
Pomegranate seeds are filled with:
Fiber, Vitamin C, folate and more.
They are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that offer protection against damage from free radicals. They are also known to boost digestion and brain health and may promote heart health.
Fresh basil offer a variety of micronutrients:
Freh herbs are incredibly healthful, offering a handful of different vitamins and minerals.
Of course we don’t often consume frehs herbs in large amounts (besides pesto of course – yum), but it sure doesn’t hurt to sprinkle on a littel extra flavour that has a little extra nutrition too.
What to eat with this simple salad recipe
This beautiful bright salad is the perfect partner for so many things.
A great side dish to serve with your Valentine’s dinner or easter brunch.
The perfecft compliment to a piece of fish, my favourites are salmon, trout, or halibut.
Make it a meal by adding arugula, avocado and some grilled cajun chicken. The spice from the chicken, and the creaminess from the avocado are next level with this winter salad.
I absolutely love this salad recipe; it is really one of the easiest recipes, and I know I say that a lot – but it is.
Plus all that gorgeous in season citrus fruit is a wonderful way to brighten a cold winter day.
Simple Citrus Salad
Ingredients
- 2 whole pink grapefruits peeled (pith included),and sliced into thin rounds
- 3 whole clementines peeled (pith included),and sliced into thin rounds
- 2 whole blood oranges peeled (pith included),and sliced into thin rounds
- 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice from one lemon
- 2 tbsp basil loosely chopped
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional additions
- 1 tbsp honey drizzle on if you like things a little sweeter
Instructions
- Cut both ends off each of the citrus fruits. Then take a sharp pairing knife and slice the peel off (white pith included), slowly from top to bottom one piece at a a time. Then slice into thin rounds and lay on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and basil over the citrus fruit.
- Then drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over top and squeeze the lemon all over. If you want it to be a bit sweeter you can drizzle a little honey on. Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
If you make this beautiful citrus salad I’d love to hear all about it. Please comment below or post it on Instagram and tag me @mysweetmess and hashtag #mysweetmess. And if you really love it, please share the link with friends and family.
Other recipes you might enjoy
CARROT APPLE GINGER SOUP
HEALTHY HOMEMADE CINNAMON RAISIN GRANOLA
MY FAVOURITE HEALTHY GREEN JUICE
Till the next recipe,
Kristen xo
Such mouthwatering photos that this post is making me crave ALL of the citrus. While January may not be my favourite month of the year, I always look forward to citrus season. This salad is happening for weekend brunch!
I feel you, January in Calgary is generally cold and busy and not always a good time. BUT, bright beautiful citrus fruit is always cause for happiness in these otherwise dreary days.
Such a beautiful salad and perfect for a citrus lover like me!
Absolutely couldn’t agree more!
Simplicity is sometimes the best way to go! This looks, smells and tastes fantastic I bet. Thanks for sharing!
It really is, especially when the ingredients speak for themselves.
what a delicious and easy refreshing desserts! Looks great for gatherings too