If you’re on the lookout for a salad that feels like a burst of sunshine in every bite, let me introduce you to the delightful Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Baby Greens Recipe. This vibrant dish marries the zesty brightness of blood oranges with the creamy tang of feta and the tender crunch of fresh baby greens. It’s a fiesta of colors, flavors, and textures that feels both refreshing and indulgent—a perfect way to brighten up any meal or impress guests with something a little different yet incredibly simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Baby Greens Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a key role, whether adding zest, creaminess, or a peppery bite, creating a harmonious balance that’s easy to achieve but hard to forget.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base for the dressing that ties all the flavors together.
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice: Adds a bright, citrusy kick that enhances the blood oranges perfectly.
- Zest of 1 lime: Packs concentrated citrus aroma, boosting the dressing’s freshness.
- 2 teaspoons honey: Balances the tartness with just a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Elevates all the flavors, ensuring each ingredient shines.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the salad.
- 5 cups baby greens (spring mix or arugula/spinach mix): Provides a tender, leafy foundation with a mix of mild and peppery notes.
- 3 blood oranges (peeled and sliced into small pieces): The star ingredient offering both sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 shallot (peeled and thinly sliced): Brings a mild onion flavor for a little extra bite and texture.
- 1 avocado (peeled and sliced): Supplies creamy richness that beautifully contrasts the tangy fruit.
- 1/3 cup crumbly feta cheese: Lends a salty, crumbly texture that complements the citrus notes wonderfully.
How to Make Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Baby Greens Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, honey, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is so easy yet packed with layers of flavor that will coat your greens gently, bringing everything alive with a bright and balanced finish.
Step 2: Toss the Greens
Add the baby greens to a large mixing bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss everything together with care so that each leaf is lightly coated—this step makes sure every bite bursts with that fresh, zesty flavor.
Step 3: Add Blood Oranges and Shallots
Next, add half of your chopped blood oranges along with the thinly sliced shallots to the greens. Toss once more to distribute the fruit’s juicy sweetness and the shallots’ gentle crunch throughout the salad evenly.
Step 4: Transfer to Serving Bowl
Move your dressed greens and fruit mixture to a large, shallow salad bowl. This makes it easier to layer and present the salad beautifully, turning a simple mix into a stunning centerpiece.
Step 5: Add Avocado and Feta
Finally, artfully arrange the avocado slices and half the crumbly feta cheese over the top. Scatter the remaining blood orange pieces and feta for a gorgeous finish that invites everyone to dig in.
How to Serve Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Baby Greens Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like mint or basil can be sprinkled lightly on top for an herbal lift. A handful of toasted nuts such as almonds or pistachios also adds a delightful crunch and toasty flavor that works beautifully alongside the creamy feta and juicy oranges.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled chicken or fish, making for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm quinoa pilaf, which complement its refreshing qualities while adding heartiness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try layering the ingredients in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant reds and greens. Alternatively, serve it in individual portions using small bowls or plates and garnish each with a sprig of fresh herb—perfect for elegant dinners or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve freshness, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing will affect the delicate texture of the greens and avocados. If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the blood orange segments separately, but fresh assembly will always give the best results.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. The vibrant flavors and crisp textures are best savored cold or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?
Absolutely! While blood oranges provide a unique color and slightly deeper flavor, regular oranges work well too, offering a bright and sweet citrus note that complements the other ingredients.
Is there a vegan alternative to feta cheese?
Yes, you can replace feta with vegan cheese or simply use toasted nuts like walnuts or cashews to add texture and a slight tanginess for a plant-based version of this salad.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prep most ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to toss everything together right before serving to keep the greens crisp and the avocados fresh.
What’s the best way to peel blood oranges?
A sharp paring knife works well—start by slicing off the top and bottom, then carefully remove the skin and pith with smooth, downward cuts, exposing the bright segments for slicing.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled shrimp, chicken breast, or chickpeas make excellent additions, transforming this fresh salad into a more substantial meal.
Final Thoughts
This Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Baby Greens Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both effortless and elegant. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and packed with delightful textures and flavors that will brighten any table. I promise once you try it, it will become a go-to recipe for warm-weather lunches or light dinners that everyone will rave about. So grab those blood oranges and dive into something that tastes as wonderful as it looks!
Print
Blood Orange Salad with Feta and Baby Greens Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Blood Orange Salad featuring a zesty lime-honey dressing, tender baby greens, sweet and tangy blood oranges, creamy avocado, crisp shallots, and crumbly feta cheese. This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a light lunch or a side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salad
- 5 cups baby greens (spring mix or arugula/spinach mix)
- 3 blood oranges (peeled and sliced into small pieces)
- 1 shallot (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 avocado (peeled and sliced)
- 1/3 cup crumbly feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Combine the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, sea salt, and ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk briskly until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth.
- Toss the greens with the dressing: Place the baby greens in a large mixing bowl, pour the dressing over them, and toss gently but thoroughly so all leaves are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add blood oranges and shallots: Add half of the chopped blood oranges and all the thinly sliced shallots to the dressed greens. Toss gently again to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the salad.
- Transfer the salad: Move the dressed greens mixture into a large salad or low serving bowl, spreading it out to prepare for the final toppings.
- Top the salad: Evenly sprinkle the sliced avocado and half of the feta cheese over the greens. Then add the remaining blood orange pieces and crumble the remaining feta cheese on top as a finishing touch.
Notes
- Use ripe, sweet blood oranges for optimal flavor.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste depending on your desired sweetness.
- For a vegan option, omit feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Serve immediately to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
- Can be paired with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal.
