Nothing brightens up a meal quite like the Juicy Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe. This dazzling salad bursts with vibrant colors and fresh, zesty flavors that dance on your palate with every bite. With sweet, tart citrus slices perfectly balancing the creamy feta and jewel-like pomegranate seeds, it’s a refreshing salad that feels both light and indulgent. Whether you’re looking to elevate a casual lunch or add a sophisticated side to dinner, this salad blends simple, wholesome ingredients into an unforgettable dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Juicy Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, contributing texture, flavor, or a pop of color that makes every forkful a delight.
- 1 large grapefruit: Offers a tangy and juicy base with a brilliant pink hue that contrasts beautifully with other citrus.
- 1 Cara Cara orange (or navel orange): Adds a sweet and slightly berry-like flavor, enhancing the salad’s complexity.
- 1 mandarine orange: Brings a delicate sweetness and a tender texture.
- 1 shallot: Provides a subtle sharpness and crunch when thinly sliced.
- 2 ounces mixed baby greens: Adds freshness and a mild, peppery bite that balances the citrus.
- 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds: Bursting with sweetness and juicy crunch, they are the salad’s jewel-like accents.
- 2 ounces crumbly feta cheese: Introduces a creamy saltiness that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- 1 garlic clove: Infuses the dressing with gentle, aromatic depth when marinated in the olive oil.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: The rich, smooth backbone of the vinaigrette that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to lift the salad.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus notes with fragrant oils.
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar: Brings a touch of tang to balance sweetness and richness.
- Pinch of salt and pepper: Enhances flavors and provides seasoning depth.
How to Make Juicy Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Garlic
Begin by gently crushing the garlic clove to release its flavor, peeling it, and placing it in a small bowl with the olive oil. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This simple step infuses the oil with a fragrant garlic essence that elevates the entire dressing without overpowering the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Citrus
Take your grapefruit, Cara Cara orange, and mandarine orange and start by slicing off both ends. Then, use a paring knife to carefully remove the peel and white pith in strips. This removes any bitterness while maintaining the citrus’s vibrant flesh. Cut the peeled fruit into 1/4 inch rounds—you’ll love how those neat slices show off their juicy segments.
Step 3: Slice the Shallot and Toss with Greens
Thinly slice the shallot so its sharp bite is subtle and not overwhelming. Toss the shallot slices with the mixed baby greens to bring a peppery, crunchy contrast to the juicy citrus.
Step 4: Make the Vinaigrette
Remove and discard the garlic clove from the marinated olive oil. To the oil, whisk in the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This homemade vinaigrette is bright and full-bodied, perfectly complementing the vibrant citrus flavors.
Step 5: Dress the Greens
Take half of your vinaigrette and toss it with the greens and shallots. This ensures every leaf is lightly coated in that brilliant dressing without overwhelming the fresh produce.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad
On a large serving plate, layer half of the dressed greens, then half of the citrus slices. Sprinkle half of the pomegranate seeds and feta cheese evenly across. Repeat the layering with the remaining greens, citrus, pomegranate, and feta. Just before serving, drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top, giving your salad that final touch of glossy, tangy goodness.
How to Serve Juicy Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance and extra flavor, sprinkle toasted pistachios or slivered almonds on top of the salad. Fresh mint or basil leaves also add a refreshing herbal note that pairs beautifully with the citrus and feta. These garnishes make your Juicy Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe even more vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a bright, fresh side alongside grilled chicken or fish, offering a lively contrast to rich, smoky flavors. Try pairing it with roasted vegetables or a light grain dish like quinoa for a balanced and nourishing meal that never feels heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve this salad in individual glass bowls or on a platter with edible flowers scattered on top for a stunning presentation. You can also layer the ingredients in a clear trifle bowl to showcase each colorful element, turning your Juicy Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe into an edible centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the citrus juices can make the greens soggy, it’s best to keep the salad and dressing separate if you plan to store it for longer than a few hours. Add the dressing just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended since the fresh citrus and greens lose their texture and flavor after thawing. For the freshest taste, enjoy the Juicy Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe immediately or within a day of making it.
Reheating
This salad is best served fresh and chilled, so reheating is not advised. The ingredients are meant to be enjoyed cool and crisp, ensuring you get the full burst of juicy citrus and tangy feta with every forkful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of citrus in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with blood oranges, tangerines, or even starfruit for visual flair and unique flavor twists. Just be sure to balance sweet and tart citrus for the best results.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re avoiding dairy or prefer a milder cheese, try crumbled goat cheese or a plant-based feta alternative. Both provide creaminess and tang that complement the citrus and pomegranate beautifully.
How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
The key is to dress the salad right before serving. If making ahead, keep the dressing and salad components separate, then combine them just before mealtime to maintain crisp textures.
Can I add protein to make it more of a meal?
Yes! Grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas are excellent additions that pair wonderfully with the fresh citrus and creamy feta, turning this salad into a satisfying main dish.
What type of vinegar works best in the vinaigrette?
Red wine vinegar is fantastic for a balanced tang, but you can also use white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar for subtle variations. Just aim for something that adds brightness without overpowering the citrus flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe is a celebration of flavor, texture, and color that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s effortless to prepare but feels special enough for any occasion. Once you try this refreshing salad, you’ll appreciate how a few simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. Go ahead and make it today — your taste buds will thank you!
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Juicy Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 22 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Juicy Citrus Salad featuring a medley of grapefruit, Cara Cara orange, and mandarine orange, tossed with mixed baby greens, pomegranate seeds, and crumbly feta cheese. Dressed in a tangy lemon and red wine vinegar vinaigrette infused with garlic and shallots, this salad is a perfect light and healthy dish for any season.
Ingredients
Citrus and Fruit
- 1 large grapefruit
- 1 Cara Cara orange (or navel orange)
- 1 mandarine orange
- 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
Greens and Cheese
- 2 ounces mixed baby greens
- 2 ounces crumbly feta cheese
Vinaigrette
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- pinch of salt and pepper
Additional
- 1 shallot
Instructions
- Marinate Garlic in Olive Oil: Crush the garlic clove and remove its skin. Place it in a small bowl with the olive oil and let it marinate for 10 minutes to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Prepare the Citrus: Cut off both ends of each citrus fruit. Using a paring knife, remove the peel and the white pith carefully. Then, slice the fruit into 1/4-inch thick rounds for a uniform and appealing presentation.
- Slice Shallot and Toss Greens: Thinly slice the shallot and combine it with the mixed baby greens in a bowl, preparing them for the dressing.
- Make the Vinaigrette: Remove and discard the garlic from the olive oil. Add the red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the garlic-infused olive oil. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Toss Greens with Vinaigrette: Add half of the vinaigrette to the bowl with greens and shallots and toss gently to coat the leaves evenly without wilting them.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large serving dish, layer half of the dressed greens, then half the citrus slices. Sprinkle half of the feta cheese and pomegranate seeds over the top. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients. Finish by drizzling the remaining vinaigrette over the assembled salad before serving.
Notes
- Use a sharp paring knife to carefully remove the citrus peel and pith to avoid bitter flavors.
- Allowing garlic to marinate in olive oil mellows its sharpness and imparts a subtle flavor to the dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh to retain the crispness of the greens and citrus.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture if desired.
- Feel free to add toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
