Romaine Salad with Citrus Dressing

Looking for a quick, refreshing, and versatile salad? This Romaine Salad with Citrus Dressing is a perfect choice. Packed with crisp vegetables, a sweetness from dried fruits, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a fantastic side dish or light meal with some chicken or fish.

This recipe combines simplicity and flavor with fresh ingredients you can customize to suit your preferences. It's quick and easy and has a ton of flavor, making it perfect for lunch for yourself or dinner for guests.

Salad Ingredients

• 4 cups romaine lettuce: Or try a variety like spinach, butter lettuce, and baby romaine to change it up
• ½ cup cucumber
• ¼ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup radishes
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or golden raisins:
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)

Citrus Dressing

• 3 tablespoon olive oil: The base of the dressing.
• 2 tablespoon orange juice: Freshly squeezed for bright, natural citrus flavor.
• 1 tablespoon red wine or rice vinegar: A gentle tang to balance the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Adds a hint of sweetness to tie it all together.
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Recipe

Whisk Up the Dressing
Combine olive oil, orange juice, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and emulsified.

Build the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce, cucumber, shredded carrots, radishes (if using), dried cranberries, and seeds.

Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle the citrus dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. If using, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta on top for a creamy and flavorful addition.

Serving Tips

• Show-off the Colors: Use a white or clear serving bowl so you can see the variety of colors in the salad
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Sprinkle a few extra cranberries or seeds on top for added visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

This light salad is versatile and goes well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your meal planning.

• Grilled Protein: Serve alongside chicken, fish, or shrimp for a balanced meal.
• Soup and Salad Combo: Enjoy with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or roasted vegetable bisque.
• Casual Lunch: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to transform this into a hearty lunch.

Recipe Tips and Customizations

1. Prep Ahead: Keep the salad ingredients and dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
2. Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative.
3. Boost the Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or boiled eggs for a more filling option.
4. Add more Citrus: Include a few orange segments or grapefruit slices for extra fruitiness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making my own?
Absolutely! While the homemade citrus dressing enhances the freshness, a quality store-bought vinaigrette can save time in a pinch.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
Undressed salad ingredients can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days, and the dressing can be refrigerated separately for up to one week.

Q: What other greens work well in this salad?
Swap in arugula, kale (massage it first for tenderness), or even shredded iceberg for a crunchier texture.

Romaine Salad with Citrus Dressing

Packed with crisp vegetables, a sweetness from dried fruits, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a fantastic side dish or light meal with some chicken or fish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups Romaine Lettuce spinach, butter lettuce, and baby romaine work well also
• ½ cup cucumber thinly sliced
• ¼ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup radishes thinly sliced (optional for a bit of crunch)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or golden raisins
• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta optional
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

For the Citrus Dressing:

• 3 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoon orange juice freshly squeezed is best
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Make the Dressing:

• Whisk together olive oil, orange juice, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until well combined.

Assemble the Salad:

• In a large bowl, toss the romaine, cucumber, carrots, radishes (if using), cranberries, and seeds.

Dress the Salad:

• Drizzle the citrus dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Optional Additions:

• Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta over the top for added creaminess.

Notes

Plating Tip:
Serve in a clear or white bowl to show-off the vibrant colors. Add a couple of extra dried cranberries or sunflower seeds on top for garnish.

Keyword Citrus, Cranberries, Feta, Romaine Lettuce, TGBTG

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