Perfectly Balanced Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Discover how to prepare a refreshing and nutritious salad that is perfect for any meal or as a light snack. This Citrus Vinaigrette Salad is not only delicious but also easy to make, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor.

The key to this vibrant dish lies in the balance of its components: crisp greens, juicy fruits, and tangy vinaigrette. The combination creates a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or just want to add some freshness to your dinner table, this salad is sure to be a hit.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 small head of romaine lettuce (about 3 cups)
• 1 cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1/2 a navel orange, peeled and sectioned
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

To start, wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Clean the cucumber by peeling if necessary (this step is optional for seedless cucumbers) and slice it thinly using a vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer. Add these slices to your salad base along with the red bell pepper strips, ensuring they are evenly distributed among the greens.

For the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt (to taste), and optionally some freshly ground black pepper. Taste this mixture; depending on personal preferences or specific ingredients used, you may adjust these flavors by adding a little more citrus zest or extra acidity.

Once all the fresh vegetables are prepared and arranged inside your bowl of romaine lettuce, drizzle over the citrus vinaigrette just before serving to ensure it remains crisp rather than soggy. Toss gently with your hands until everything is well coated.

Nutritional Information

This Citrus Vinaigrette Salad serves as an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, particularly beneficial for hydration and maintaining healthy skin. It provides ample amounts of Vitamin C from oranges, which helps boost immunity while also acting as a powerful antioxidant.

Tips & Variations

Looking to vary this classic recipe? Feel free to experiment with different greens such as spinach or arugula for added nutritional benefits and distinct flavors. You can also swap out the orange sections for other citrus fruits like tangerines, mandarins, or even mangoes for a tropical twist.

1. For those who prefer stronger citrus notes, you could increase the amount of lemon juice slightly while reducing the quantity of olive oil to maintain balance.
2. If desired, add some nuts such as almonds or walnuts for crunch and additional protein content. Cashew nuts would also complement this dish nicely.

This simple yet sophisticated salad is a great way to start your day with something light but satisfying. It pairs wonderfully well with grilled chicken or fish, making it an ideal choice for balanced meals. The refreshing taste of the citrus vinaigrette perfectly complements both meats and vegetables, ensuring every bite tastes exquisite.

Remember, portion sizes can vary based on individual caloric needs; however, this recipe provides just enough to satisfy hunger without being overwhelming. Serve it chilled or at room temperature according to preference, and garnish with a few fresh herbs if available—cilantro leaves work particularly well here.

By following these straightforward steps, you'll have yourself a delightful Citrus Vinaigrette Salad ready in no time. Enjoy your meal!

Note: Always wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption to remove any residual pesticides or dirt that might affect taste or health.