Winter Citrus Salad – Lillie Eats and Tells

This Winter Citrus Salad is a vibrant mix of peppery arugula, juicy oranges, crunchy red onion, and creamy goat cheese. Enjoy as a light appetizer, side dish or main meal with added protein.

About This Recipe

You all know by now that I LOVE salads so it’s not surprising that I still find ways to enjoy colorful, voluminous salads even in the winter time. This Winter Citrus Salad is packed with so many good textures and flavors that you’ll be craving it even on colder days.

It’s no secret that I’m all about adding fruit (or just about anything from the fridge) to my salads and I think oranges (or any citrus fruits) are  the perfect compliment for winter salads. The juicy oranges burst with flavor in each bite and pair so well with the crunch of red onion and soft, creamy goat cheese.

And not only is this salad so yummy but it’s also beautiful too! 

Serve this salad as a side dish to any of your favorite winter soups or add protein and enjoy as a meal! 

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Arugula: I love the slight bitterness of arugula in this winter salad but you can use any type of mixed greens you prefer. If using a spring mix or bulkier lettuce, I’d just recommend running your knife through it a few times before adding to the serving bowl to help chop it up. 
• Oranges: Use any type of small orange. Cara cara, blood orange, navel orange, etc. You can also substitute for clementines, grapefruit or any citrus fruit you love.
• Red onion: The crisp bite of red onion pairs perfectly with the citrus. 
• Avocado: Totally optional but I love adding avocado to this salad for added creaminess.
• Walnuts: Or use your favorite nut! You could also try pecans or slivered almonds. If you have a few extra minutes, I love tossing my walnuts in a warm pan to toast them for a few seconds to really bring out the nutty flavor! 
• Goat cheese: Goat cheese is my go-to for so many salads but can easily be subbed for feta or favorite cheese. Use dairy-free cheese if needed.
• Fresh mint: Fresh herbs are one of my favorite ways to really enhance salads without having to add a bunch of dressings and extra calories. I feel like the fresh mint is the perfect compliment to these “wintery” flavors but you can also substitute any other fresh herbs you have on hand you’re needing to use up! 

Dietary Adaptations 

To keep this dairy-free, skip the goat cheese and use your favorite dairy-free cheese. I love the dairy-free feta by Follow Your Heart.

How To Make

1. Spread arugula onto a platter or into a shallow bowl. 
2. Top with thin slices of oranges, thinly sliced red onion, and avocado. 
3. Finish with chopped walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and fresh mint. Season with salt and cracked pepper. 

Serve with your favorite dressing. I highly recommend my “Sweet Mustard Vinaigrette”, or even just a drizzle of high quality vinegar! (It’s no secret I’m obsessed with the Baker and Olive fruit infused white balsamic vinegar options like Lemon, Peach, Mango… you can’t go wrong!) 

Protein Pairings

Pair this winter salad with some protein to make it a meal! Some of my favorites include:

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