Looking for a bright, easy side salad for dinner that’s full of flavor? This Citrus Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette pairs tender mixed greens with juicy clementines and a bold homemade dressing. It’s light enough for weeknights, elegant enough for holidays, and quick to pull together.
Citrus Salad Recipe
Citrus salads are a favorite when fruit is at its peak. This Citrus Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette is colorful and flavorful without being fussy. Sweet clementines, tender greens, salty feta, crunchy nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette come together for a balanced side that’s satisfying and refreshing.
It’s the kind of salad I toss together when I want something light but substantial—simple enough for a weeknight and pretty enough for guests. Try it once and it will likely become a regular in your rotation.
(If you enjoy side salads, you might also like other recipes from the same collection.)
Ingredients You’ll Need
This winter citrus salad uses straightforward ingredients that complement each other. Quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Salad Base
- Mixed greens (spring mix, spinach & kale) – A blend gives tenderness from spinach, structure from kale, and variety of flavor. Massage sturdy kale lightly with olive oil if desired.
- Clementines – Naturally sweet, easy to peel. Oranges or blood oranges are good substitutes.
- Dried cranberries – Add chewy sweetness and color. Dried cherries or golden raisins work too.
- Feta cheese – Salty and creamy; goat cheese is an easy swap.
- Candied almonds – Provide crunch and a touch of sweetness. Toasted almonds or pecans are fine alternatives.
- Pumpkin seeds – For extra texture and a mild nutty note. Sunflower seeds also work.
Red Wine Vinaigrette
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red wine vinegar – Bright and tangy to balance the citrus.
- Dijon mustard – Helps emulsify and adds depth.
- Honey or maple syrup – A little sweetness to round acidity.
- Orange or clementine zest – Ties the dressing to the fruit.
- Thyme (dried or fresh) – Adds a subtle earthy note.
- Garlic – Use a small clove, minced finely.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Dietary notes:
- Naturally gluten-free.
- Easy to make vegan by omitting feta or using a plant-based alternative.
How to Make Citrus Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
The salad comes together quickly; a couple of small techniques make it shine.
- Make the vinaigrette first: In a small bowl or jar, combine red wine vinegar, Dijon, honey (or maple), citrus zest, thyme, garlic, and olive oil. Whisk or shake until emulsified, then season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust so the dressing is bright and balanced.
- Prep the salad ingredients: Place the mixed greens in a large bowl. Arrange clementine segments, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, candied almonds, and pumpkin seeds on top.
- Dress and toss gently: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly so the greens are coated while keeping toppings intact.
- Serve immediately
This salad tastes best when fresh and vibrant.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Top Tips for the Best Citrus Salad
Simple practices to ensure the salad is fresh, balanced, and flavorful:
- Dry your greens well – Excess moisture dilutes the dressing and makes leaves soggy.
- Balance sweet and tangy – Taste the vinaigrette before serving and tweak with a little more honey or vinegar if needed.
- Add dressing gradually – You may not need all the dressing; over-dressing leads to a limp salad.
Easy Variations to Try
This salad is adaptable—swap ingredients to match what you have or prefer.
- Greens: Use all spinach for a softer texture or mixed baby greens for variety. Add broccoli sprouts for crunch.
- Cheese: Try goat cheese, shaved Parmesan, or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or pistachios work in place of candied almonds.
- Citrus: Mix in oranges, blood oranges, or grapefruit depending on the season.
- Extras: Add sliced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, or pomegranate seeds for more texture and color.
Serving Suggestions
This citrus salad pairs well with richer mains and makes a fresh contrast to heartier dishes. A few favorite pairings:
- Alongside roast chicken, spatchcock chicken, honey-Dijon salmon, Mississippi chicken, or pork tenderloin.
- As a bright counterpoint to hearty soups or stews like beef stew, chili, or goulash.
- On a holiday table next to heavier dishes—its brightness cuts through rich flavors beautifully.
Make-Ahead & Storing Tips
- Make ahead: The dressing can be made 3–4 days in advance and refrigerated. Shake well before using.
- Storing leftovers: Once dressed, the salad will not stay crisp. If you expect leftovers, store greens and toppings separately and dress only what you’ll eat.
- Refreshing leftovers: If the salad is already dressed, revive it with a handful of fresh greens and a squeeze of citrus.
More Fresh Salad Ideas to Try Next
If you’re planning dinner and want easy side salads, explore a salads collection for more simple ideas. These options are tasty, easy to make, and versatile:
Salads
Caesar Salad
Salads
Shredded Carrot Salad Recipe
Salads
Cucumber Salad Recipe
Salads
Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad
Citrus Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups spring mix, spinach, & kale
- 2 cups clementines
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup candied almonds, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Red Wine Vinaigrette
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey, or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon orange or clementine zest
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, or a small pinch of finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced or grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Make the dressing: Whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon, honey, orange zest, thyme, garlic, and olive oil in a small bowl or jar until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Assemble the salad: Combine the mixed greens, clementines, dried cranberries, feta, candied almonds, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl.
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Toss: Drizzle some dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, adding more dressing as needed.
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Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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