As the days grow longer and the air fills with the promise of warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to embrace fresh, vibrant flavors. This spring salad celebrates the season with a beautiful mix of textures and tastes, combining sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements in every bite. The star of the dish is the homemade orange champagne vinaigrette, a light and citrusy dressing that enhances the freshness of the ingredients while adding a sophisticated touch.

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This Spring Salad is The Perfect Blend of Flavors

This salad is a delightful medley of seasonal ingredients that work harmoniously together. The sweetness of juicy oranges and pomegranate arils balances beautifully with the creamy richness of avocado and the tangy bite of crumbled goat cheese. Thinly sliced red onion adds just the right amount of sharpness, while pecan halves contribute a satisfying crunch. All of these elements rest on a bed of crisp mixed greens, ensuring each forkful is full of refreshing flavor.

A Dressing That Elevates Every Bite

The orange champagne vinaigrette is what truly brings this salad to life. Made with citrus champagne vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and orange zest, this dressing is both bright and elegant. A touch of garlic adds depth, while extra virgin olive oil creates a smooth, velvety finish. The result is a perfectly balanced dressing that complements the natural sweetness of the fruit and the creamy tang of the goat cheese.

Nutrient-Packed and Delicious

Beyond its delightful taste, this salad is packed with nutrients. Oranges and pomegranates provide a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, while avocado delivers heart-healthy fats and fiber. Goat cheese offers protein and calcium, and pecans contribute additional healthy fats and minerals. With so many wholesome ingredients, this salad is a nourishing choice for any meal.

Orange Pomegranate Salad: A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

This spring salad is a wonderful addition to any gathering. Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or the star of a festive brunch, it’s sure to impress. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon for added protein, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Tips for the Best Results

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients – Since this salad highlights fresh produce, choose ripe avocados, juicy oranges, and crisp greens for the best flavor.
Prepare the dressing in advance – Allowing the vinaigrette to sit for a bit helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Toss gently – To keep the ingredients looking vibrant and fresh, drizzle the dressing lightly and toss just before serving.
Make it your own – Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds, use feta instead of goat cheese, or add grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.

Enjoy the Taste of Spring

This bright, colorful salad is a true celebration of spring’s best flavors. With its refreshing ingredients and citrusy champagne vinaigrette, it’s a dish that brings joy to the table. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick, healthy meal or serving it to guests, this salad is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Try it today and savor the taste of spring!

Orange Pomegranate Salad: A Bright and Refreshing Spring Salad with Orange Champagne Vinaigrette

Recipe by Easy Clean Recipes

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Ingredients

¼ c. citrus champagne vinegar
1 large clove garlic, smashed and peeled
2 T. honey, preferably local
1 t. Dijon mustard
1 t. orange zest, preferably organic
¼ c. orange juice, freshly squeezed (approximately 1 large orange)
½ c. extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Salad Ingredients:
1 large pomegranate
1 large avocado, chopped
1 T. fresh lemon juice
6 c. mixed salad greens
½ medium red onion, sliced thin
1 large orange, sliced, peeled, and separated into bite-sized sections
2 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
¼ c. pecan halves

Directions

To prepare the dressing, add the vinegar, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, orange zest, and orange juice to a blender or food processor. Blend on high until completely smooth, approximately 1 minute.
If using a blender or processor with a vented top, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending, or add all at once if this isn’t possible. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and blend until thoroughly emulsified. Taste and add additional salt, if desired. Transfer to a serving container and set aside.
Remove the arils from the pomegranate by slicing off the top and scoring down the sides in between the aril sections with a sharp knife. Carefully pull apart along the score lines and separate the arils from the pith. Place the arils in a small bowl and set aside.
Coat the avocado with the lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
Arrange the mixed greens on a large serving platter and top with the red onion, orange sections, avocado, and pomegranate arils. Top with the crumbled goat cheese and pecan halves. Drizzle with some of the orange champagne vinaigrette and serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side. Enjoy!

Try this alongside our Citrus Fish in Foil or White Fish with Mango Salsa