Description
This vibrant and refreshing Spicy Citrus Salad combines a variety of citrus fruits with sweet Vidalia onion, crunchy pistachios, and aromatic thyme. Enhanced with a zesty lime dressing, smoky paprika, and Maldon sea salt, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors for a light and healthy dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Citrus and Vegetables
- 3-4 citrus fruits of various kinds and sizes (e.g., blood oranges, mandarins, grapefruit)
- 1 Vidalia onion
Dressing and Seasoning
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup pistachios
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil (fruity variety)
- Maldon sea salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or cayenne pepper powder
Instructions
- Prepare the citrus: Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut away the peel and pith from the citrus fruits. Slice the peeled citrus into 1/2-inch-thick rounds to preserve their beautiful layering.
- Slice the onion: Cut the Vidalia onion into thin half-moon crescent slices, which will add a mild sweetness and crunch to the salad.
- Arrange the fruit and onion: On a large platter, alternate layers of citrus slices and onion crescents to create a visually appealing, colorful base for the salad.
- Add toppings: Roughly chop the pistachios and fresh thyme leaves, then sprinkle them evenly over the citrus and onion layers for texture and herbal notes.
- Prepare and drizzle dressing: Grate lime zest over the salad, then sprinkle smoked paprika or cayenne pepper powder for a smoky heat. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and lime juice evenly to dress the salad.
- Finish and serve: Season generously with Maldon sea salt to enhance all the flavors. Serve immediately for the best taste and freshness.
Notes
- Use a mix of citrus fruits like blood oranges, mandarins, and grapefruit for a colorful and varied flavor profile.
- Sweet Vidalia onions balance out the acidity of the citrus with their mild, sweet flavor.
- Smoked paprika offers a unique smoky kick, but cayenne pepper can be substituted for more heat.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pistachios or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
- Best served fresh as a light appetizer or side dish; can be chilled briefly before serving but avoid long marinating to keep the citrus texture intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
