Tangerine salad – just the name evokes a feeling of sunshine and vibrancy, doesn’t it? This salad is a beautiful dance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned salad enthusiast or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. I remember the first time I tasted a tangerine salad; it was at a friend’s summer barbecue. The combination of juicy tangerines, crunchy pecans, and a light vinaigrette was unlike anything I’d ever had before. It was so refreshing and flavorful that I immediately asked for the recipe. Now, I’m excited to share my version of this delightful salad with you!
Gather Your Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 2 cups of fresh tangerine segments (about 4-5 tangerines), peeled and deseeded
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed tangerine juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! You can add other fruits like grapefruit or orange segments, or even incorporate some baby spinach or arugula for a bit of green.
Let’s Get Started: Equipment You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, gather these simple tools:
- A large mixing bowl
- A small bowl for the vinaigrette
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A whisk
Step-by-Step Guide to Tangerine Salad Perfection
- Prepare the tangerines: Gently peel the tangerines, ensuring you remove all the white pith. Separate the segments, ensuring they are free of seeds.
- Make the vinaigrette: In the small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, tangerine juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In the large bowl, combine the tangerine segments, red onion, mint, parsley, feta cheese, and pecans.
- Dress and serve: Just before serving, pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Tips for a Scrumptious Salad
- To prevent bitterness: Make sure to remove all the white pith from the tangerines.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch to the salad.
- Don’t overdress: Start by adding half of the vinaigrette, toss, and add more if needed.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Tangerine Salad Ingredients
Plating and Presentation
While this salad tastes amazing, a little effort in presentation can elevate it to a whole new level. Try these ideas:
- Use a beautiful serving bowl: A white bowl will make the colors of the salad pop.
- Arrange the ingredients: Instead of just tossing, arrange the tangerine segments, onion, herbs, and feta cheese attractively on a platter. Then, sprinkle the pecans and drizzle the vinaigrette over the top.
- Garnish with extra tangerine segments and fresh herbs.
Plated Tangerine Salad
Take Your Taste Buds on a Citrusy Adventure
There you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavorful tangerine salad recipe that is sure to become a favorite. The sweetness of the tangerines, the tanginess of the vinaigrette, and the crunch of the pecans all come together beautifully in every bite. I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and explore the wonderful world of salads. Don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece with us in the comments below! Happy cooking!
