Bright, crisp, and unmistakably summery, this citrus salad with feta, pistachios, and mint brings lively orange acidity, the creamy saltiness of cheese, and the perfume of fresh herbs to the table. Ideal for a quick lunch or an elegant starter in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- Oranges — 3, peeled and cut into supremes
- Feta — 150g (5 oz), crumbled
- Unsalted pistachios — 50g (1.8 oz), roughly chopped
- Fresh mint — 10g (about 1/4 cup leaves)
- Red onion — 1/2, thinly sliced into half-moons
- Extra virgin olive oil — 2 tbsp
- Fresh orange juice — 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice — 1 tbsp
- Honey — 1 tsp
- Dijon mustard — 1/2 tsp
- Sea salt — 1/2 tsp, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper — 1/4 tsp
- Orange zest — 1 tsp, optional
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the oranges: cut away the peel and white pith, then release the segments between the membranes, catching any juice for the dressing.
- Slice the red onion very thinly and soak it in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain well. This softens its bite and leaves a gentler finish.
- Make the dressing: whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and zest until emulsified.
- Arrange the citrus segments on a large platter and add the onion.
- Scatter over the crumbled feta.
- Add the pistachios and mint leaves, tearing the mint lightly with your hands.
- Drizzle with the dressing just before serving and toss very gently.
Nutrition per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 287 kcal |
| Protein | 7.8 g |
| Fat | 20.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 17 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
📹 Watch the video recipe on our Telegram channel: @alwaysyummy
Tips and Variations
- Mix up the citrus: add grapefruit or mandarins for a more layered flavor and color.
- Crunch without nuts: swap the pistachios for pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Dairy-free: use a vegan feta in brine or well-seasoned tofu marinated in lemon juice and olive oil.
- For heat: a pinch of chili flakes will sharpen the sweetness of the oranges.
- Serving idea: delicious as a light lunch on its own or alongside roast chicken, fish, or shrimp.
FAQ
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the citrus segments and crumble the feta in advance, and keep the dressing separate. Combine and dress just before serving to preserve the textures.
What can I use instead of pistachios?
Slivered almonds, walnuts, cashews, or a mix of seeds all work well. For a deeper flavor, toast them briefly in a dry skillet first.
What kind of feta is best?
Choose feta packed in brine with 45-55% fat. It crumbles softly, holds its shape, and balances the sweetness of the citrus beautifully.