Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and a little bit playful, you absolutely have to try this Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe. It’s a feast for your eyes and your palate, inspired by the colors of the Irish flag—green, white, and orange—layered beautifully in a simple yet sophisticated salad. I love this recipe because it’s quick to throw together and makes an effortless, stunning dish that never fails to impress guests or brighten up your weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe comes from using fresh, quality ingredients that naturally bring the colors to life. When shopping, I always look for sweet, juicy oranges and ripe, slightly firm pears. The feta adds creaminess and saltiness, while pistachios offer that unexpected crunch. Don’t forget fresh basil and spinach — they bring a fresh herbal note that really rounds out the salad.

• Oranges: Choose seedless, sweet varieties like navel oranges for easy slicing or supremes; their bright color is essential.
• Pear: Go for firm but ripe pears like Bartlett or Anjou; they slice nicely without turning mushy.
• Feta Cheese: Look for a tangy, creamy feta—not too crumbly to add a lovely texture and flavor contrast.
• Pistachios: Roasted and chopped pistachios bring crunch and a nutty depth that’s irresistible.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped basil gives a vibrant, aromatic freshness that elevates the salad.
• Spinach: Baby spinach is my go-to for its tender leaves and mild flavor, but butter lettuce works well too.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin for the best flavor in the dressing.
• Orange Juice: Helps bring brightness to the vinaigrette, reinforcing the citrus theme.
• Honey: Adds just a touch of sweetness for balance.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings acidity to brighten the dressing.
• Lime Juice: I add this for a citrusy zing that complements the orange juice perfectly.
• Salt: Just a pinch to bring everything together.

Variations

This Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe is wonderfully flexible. I enjoy making it just as written, but feel free to shake things up depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Have fun making it your own!

• Make it Vegan: Substitute the feta with a vegan cheese or simply toss in some avocado cubes — my vegan friends love this twist.
• Add More Greens: Sometimes I mix spinach with arugula or watercress for a peppery punch that contrasts the sweetness.
• Seasonal Fruits: In winter, swapping pears for crisp apples or oranges for tangerines works beautifully without losing the effect.
• Nut Alternatives: If pistachios aren’t your favorite, toasted walnuts or pecans create an equally great crunch.

How to Make Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by washing your spinach thoroughly—if you’re using baby spinach, the leaves are tender and usually stem-free, but if you prefer regular spinach, remove the stems so you don’t get any unwanted bitterness. Then, peel your oranges and slice them into rounds or supremes if you’re feeling fancy—supremes look elegant but take a bit more time. Thinly slice your pear so that each bite gets a juicy burst alongside crisp greens.

Step 2: Make the Citrus Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh orange juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt. This vinaigrette is all about balance: the sweetness from orange juice and honey, acidity from vinegar and lime, and the smoothness of olive oil. Taste as you go and adjust any element to your liking—you might want a little more lime for zing!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad Like the Irish Flag

Grab a large salad bowl or a big plate. Start with a generous bed of spinach—the green stripe of the flag. Next, arrange your pear slices as the white stripe. Then layer on the orange slices for the final orange stripe. Sprinkle crumbled feta and roasted chopped pistachios evenly on top, then finish with a scattering of fresh chopped basil. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad right before serving and toss gently to combine. The colors really pop when everything is fresh.

How to Serve Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this salad with a little extra fresh basil or even some microgreens for an added fresh burst. Sometimes I add a little flaky sea salt or a few black pepper cracks right before serving to enhance the flavors. A light drizzle of honey on top can also add a subtle touch that surprises and delights your guests.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood, or a crusty loaf of bread for a lighter meal. When I make it for family dinners, I often serve it alongside roasted salmon or a simple quiche, and the fresh citrus notes of the salad really brighten the whole meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For St. Patrick’s Day or any Irish-themed party, I’ve arranged this salad stacked in glass trifle bowls so you can see the layers like a real flag. Another fun idea is to create individual salads on small plates layered carefully with each stripe, which always wows guests. Small edible flowers or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds add an elegant touch if you want to get fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I don’t usually recommend making this salad too far ahead because spinach and pears can wilt or brown quickly. That said, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep the vinaigrette separate and toss just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Freezing

This Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe isn’t a good candidate for freezing because fresh fruit and greens lose their texture and flavor when thawed. I’d suggest enjoying it fresh for best taste.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t needed. If you do have leftovers with protein sides, warm those separately but keep the salad chilled and fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to bring to gatherings or enjoy as a quick, fresh meal on its own. Its stunning colors and harmonious flavors never fail to make me smile, and I know you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together, too. Give it a try—you’re going to impress yourself with how a few simple ingredients can transform into something so special!

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