I stumbled upon this salad recipe during a random lunch date with an old friend, and let me tell you, it was like discovering a secret oasis in the middle of a culinary desert. Who would’ve thought that bitter arugula, creamy gorgonzola, and juicy oranges could dance together so harmoniously on one plate?
It’s like a tango of flavors! The sharpness of the red onion cuts through the richness, while the citrusy burst from the orange wakes up your taste buds.
I remember thinking, “Why don’t I make salads like this more often? ” It’s both sophisticated and delightfully simple, a refreshing change from the usual leafy greens—and perfect for brightening up a gloomy day.
Plus, with the year 2023 being all about rediscovering simple pleasures, this salad fits right in. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Steps
- Peel the orange and divide it into segments. Take two of these segments and squeeze their juice into a small bowl.
- In the bowl with the orange juice, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to create a vinaigrette.
- Cut the remaining orange segments into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange the baby greens on a serving plate, then scatter the orange pieces, sliced red onion, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese on top.
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 small orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 cups mixed baby greens like arugula and spinach
- 3 tablespoons crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (or blue cheese as an alternative)
- 2 to 3 slices of red onion, adjusted to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 196 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18.5 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 10.5 g | Cholesterol: 20 mg | Sodium: 294 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 11 g
FAQ
- Can I substitute Gorgonzola cheese with another type of cheese?
- Absolutely! If Gorgonzola isn’t to your taste, you can replace it with goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
- How can I adjust the recipe to serve more people?
- To make this salad for two or four people, simply multiply the ingredients accordingly to suit the number of servings you need.
- What can I use if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
- If balsamic vinegar isn’t available, you might try a red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as an alternative, though it may slightly alter the taste.
- How do I make the vinaigrette dressing?
- To prepare the vinaigrette, squeeze juice from two orange sections into a small bowl and whisk together with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- What are some variations for the greens in this salad?
- Feel free to mix arugula with other baby greens like spinach for a diverse blend of flavors and textures.
Tips
- If Gorgonzola isn’t to your taste, consider substituting it with goat cheese or feta for a milder flavor.
- For the dressing, make sure to squeeze two sections of the orange to get fresh juice, adding a vibrant citrus note to the vinaigrette.
- To serve more people, simply multiply the ingredients for a larger salad that caters to your needs.
- Add variety to the salad by mixing in other greens like spinach with the arugula for added texture and flavor.
Equipment
- Citrus zester or citrus juicer (for extracting juice from the orange sections)
- Whisk (for mixing the vinaigrette)
- Salad spinner (for washing and drying the arugula and spinach)
