Bright, refreshing, and filled with a delightful mix of flavors and textures, a Fresh Orange & Feta Salad with Pistachios is the perfect addition to your summer meals. This salad not only bursts with vibrant colors but also combines the sweet, juicy notes of oranges with the creamy, tangy feta cheese, all perfectly balanced by the nutty crunch of pistachios. Whether served as a light lunch or a sophisticated side dish, this salad is sure to impress. It's an easy recipe that showcases seasonal ingredients while providing a plethora of nutrients and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale:
3 large oranges, peeled and segmented
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped
4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or a spring mix)
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the dressing to rest for at least 10 minutes, as this helps the flavors to meld beautifully.
Cut both ends off each orange to create a flat base. Stand the orange upright and carefully slice away the peel and pith, following the curve of the fruit. Be gentle to ensure you retain as much of the flesh as possible. Then, segment the oranges by cutting along the membranes to release the segments into a bowl, collecting any juice that escapes.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens with the orange segments and red onion slices. Toss lightly to begin integrating the flavors.
Gently fold in the crumbled feta and chopped pistachios into the salad, ensuring even distribution without breaking the feta too much.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients without bruising the greens.
Transfer the salad to a serving platter and serve immediately.
