Winter Blood Orange Salad
User Reviews
5
Winter Blood Orange Salad
Description
This salad uses hearty kale and peppery arugula as a base, layered with juicy blood orange slices that provide seasonal citrus flavor and vibrant color. Roasted chickpeas contribute a crunchy, nutty element, while red onion and creamy feta add sharpness and saltiness. Sliced avocado introduces creaminess, topping the salad with freshness and rich texture.
The homemade lemon poppyseed dressing combines olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Massaging the kale with a small amount of dressing breaks down its fibrous texture, making it more tender and enjoyable to eat. Tossing the salad with the dressing ensures balanced flavor throughout the ingredients.
The salad is finished with mint leaves for aroma and a light herbal note. It can be served as a side or light meal, offering both nutrition and seasonally appropriate flavors.
Additional mix-ins such as sliced almonds, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, or different cheeses can be added for variety. Roasted chickpeas serve as an alternative to croutons, adding satisfying texture and protein.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale washed and chopped, about 3-4 cups
- 5 oz. arugula package
- 3 large blood oranges peeled and sliced
- 1/2 onion red, sliced
- 1 cup chickpeas roasted; or garbanzo beans
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 2 avocado
- 1 bunch mint for garnish
For the lemon poppyseed dressing:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
- 3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Make your dressing. I like to combine all of the ingredients in a lidded mason jar and shake well to emulsify.
- Then, massage the chopped kale with 2-3 Tbsp. of the dressing and a pinch of salt. Massaging the kale helps to break it down to become more tender and enjoyable when eating!
- In a large bowl, combine the kale and arugula. Toss in the the blood oranges, onion, garbanzo beans, and feta cheese.
- Pour about 1/3 cup of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Top with sliced avocado and garnish with mint. Serve and add extra dressing as needed.
Notes
- Massaging the kale with dressing softens it and improves texture before combining with other salad ingredients.
- Feel free to include sliced almonds, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, or alternate cheeses like bleu or goat cheese for extra flavor and texture variations.
- Roasted chickpeas add crunch and nutrition, serving as a tasty alternative to croutons in the salad.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 203 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 203kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 12.9g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.