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After a long, chilly week, nothing rejuvenates the spirit quite like a vibrant bowl of Herbed Citrus Salad with Tahini Dressing. The first time I tasted it, I was instantly transported to sunlit orchards, each juicy bite bursting with the sweet tang of ruby red grapefruit and the mellow warmth of tangerines. Paired with a creamy, smoky tahini dressing, this salad strikes the perfect balance between freshness and comfort on a winter’s day.

As winter turns our cravings towards cozy, heartwarming meals, it can be easy to forget about lighter options. This salad not only offers a refreshing contrast but also serves as a beautiful reminder of the bright flavors that nature provides, even in colder months. Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side for your next dinner gathering, this dish is gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy its deliciousness.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just beginning your culinary journey, this easy recipe will soon become a cherished part of your winter repertoire. Let’s dive into the delightful world of fresh flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Herbed Citrus Salad

Fresh, Bright Flavors: This salad is a celebration of citrus! The combination of ruby red grapefruit and tangerines creates a refreshing burst of flavor that takes you straight to sunnier days.

Easy to Make: Only a few simple steps are needed to whip up this tasty dish, making it perfect for anyone busy with winter activities.

Nutritious Delight: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this salad makes a delightful addition to a healthy winter diet.

Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute or add seasonal fruits and different greens, ensuring it never gets boring.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick lunch or a vibrant side to impress guests, this dish fits seamlessly into any meal!

Try it with your favorite main course for a delightful pairing.

Herbed Citrus Salad Ingredients

• A vibrant mix of flavors awaits!

For the Dressing

Large Shallot – Adds a mild onion taste; substitute with red onion for a sharper flavor.
Tangerine Zest and Juice – Brightness and acidity; enhances the overall citrus flavor, or swap with orange for a twist.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – Essential for tanginess and balancing flavors.
Honey – Provides sweetness to counteract acidity; replace with maple syrup for a vegan option.
Fine Salt – Enhances flavor; regular salt can be used instead.
Chili Powder – Adds mild heat; substitute with paprika for a smokier profile.
Tahini – Brings creaminess and depth; use sunflower seed butter as a nut-free substitute.
Water – Adjust thickness of the dressing; add as needed for desired consistency.

For the Salad

Ruby Red Grapefruit – Main fruit component; if unavailable, pink grapefruit works just as well.
Cara Cara Orange – Adds sweetness and color; substitute with regular oranges if needed.
Mandarin Orange – Provides sweetness; clementines or tangerines make excellent replacements.
Fresh Tarragon Leaves – Imparts an herbaceous note; experiment with dill or basil for variety.
Fresh Parsley Leaves – Enhances freshness; cilantro can be swapped for a different flavor.
Spring Mix or Baby Lettuce – The perfect base greens; any salad mix will do.
Pomegranate Arils (optional) – Adds sweetness and a pop of color; feel free to omit if not available.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper – A lovely finishing touch; white pepper can be used for a milder taste.

Get ready to create a show-stopping herbed citrus salad with tahini dressing that embraces the sunny flavors of winter!

How to Make Herbed Citrus Salad with Tahini Dressing

Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, combine minced shallot, tangerine zest and juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, fine salt, and chili powder. Whisk everything together and let the mixture marinate for about 5 minutes. Then, whisk in the tahini, adding water until you achieve your desired dressing consistency.
Slice the Citrus: Trim the top and bottom of each ruby red grapefruit and Cara Cara orange. Peel them using downward strokes to gently remove the pith. Slice the citrus fruits into ½-inch rounds, and sprinkle with fresh tarragon and parsley for a hint of herbaceous flavor.
Assemble the Salad: Place your spring mix or baby lettuce in a large bowl. Drizzle with the prepared tahini dressing and toss until the greens are well coated. Transfer the salad to a platter, elegantly arrange the citrus rounds on top, and finish with an extra drizzle of dressing, garnishing with pomegranate arils and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Optional: Serve with toasted almonds for added crunch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Herbed Citrus Salad with Tahini Dressing?

This delightful salad can easily be complemented with a variety of dishes to create a memorable meal experience.

Grilled Chicken: The subtle smokiness of grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the salad, adding protein without overpowering the citrus flavors.
Quinoa Pilaf: A warm and hearty quinoa pilaf enhances texture and adds nutty undertones, creating a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies, such as carrots or Brussels sprouts, provide a warm contrast and rich flavors that harmonize with the salad’s brightness.
Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado toast on whole grain bread offers a rich, satisfying balance that beautifully complements the fresh citrus notes. It’s an ideal side for enhancing flavor and texture.
Toasted Almonds: A sprinkle of toasted almonds not only adds crunch but also nutty flavor, elevating the salad experience with each bite.
Sparkling Water: Crisp sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime perfectly complements the fresh, zesty notes of the salad, keeping your palate refreshed.
Dark Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, indulge in a rich dark chocolate mousse. Its creamy bitterness counters the tartness of the salad, creating a memorable flavor finale.

Feel free to mix and match these delightful pairings for your ideal meal experience!

Storage Tips for Herbed Citrus Salad

Room Temperature: Enjoy the salad fresh! If left out, consume within 2 hours to avoid spoilage.
Fridge: Store any leftover herbed citrus salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the citrus can become mushy. Enjoy it fresh for the best texture and flavor!
Reheating: If you have any leftovers that you want to repurpose, consider making a citrus dressing or a quick stir-fry instead.

Expert Tips for Herbed Citrus Salad

Flavor Fusion: Allow the dressing to sit for at least 5 minutes before using; this lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your herbed citrus salad.
Citrus Cutting: Slice citrus carefully to avoid bitterness; cutting away the pith ensures a sweeter and more pleasant flavor in your salad.
Herb Handling: Mince fresh herbs finely for even distribution in the salad. Chopped herbs not only enhance flavor but also add to the salad’s visual appeal.
Dress Wisely: Drizzle the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and ensures freshness.
Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment by adding nuts or seeds for crunch or substituting different fruits based on your preference—this keeps your herbed citrus salad exciting!

Herbed Citrus Salad Variations

Feel free to get creative with your salad and make it your own!

Citrus Swap: Replace ruby red grapefruit with seasonal fruits like pears or apples for a delightful twist. Each variation brings a unique sweetness that complements the tahini dressing beautifully.
Greens Galore: Experiment with different salad greens such as arugula for a peppery touch or spinach for added nutrition. Mixing greens adds a refreshing dynamic to every bite.
Nutty Crunch: Toss in toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for added texture and crunch. This not only elevates the salad but also provides a satisfying contrast to the juicy citrus.
Herb Medley: Swap fresh tarragon or parsley with dill or cilantro to explore diverse flavor profiles. Each herb offers a different aromatic nuance that enhances the overall taste.
Add Some Heat: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice. The heat balances the sweetness of the citrus, creating a delightful flavor juxtaposition.
Vegan-Friendly: Replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup to maintain sweetness while staying vegan-friendly. Enjoy the same rich flavors without compromise!
Creamier Dressing: Blend the tahini with avocado for an extra creamy dressing that adds richness; this variation brings a smooth texture that complements the crunchy salad.
Fruity Boost: Toss in some fresh berries or pomegranate arils to elevate the sweetness and add vibrant color. The pop of color not only looks stunning but also brings additional nutrients to your dish.

Make Ahead Options

Make your busy weeknights a breeze with this Herbed Citrus Salad with Tahini Dressing! You can prepare the tahini dressing up to 3 days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful. The citrus fruits can be segmented and prepped up to 24 hours before serving to save time, but be sure to sprinkle them with fresh herbs right before assembling to maintain their vibrant color. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the salad greens with the dressing, arrange the prepared citrus on top, and garnish with pomegranate arils for that wow factor. Enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!

Herbed Citrus Salad with Tahini Dressing Recipe FAQs

What fruits work best for this salad?
Absolutely! The star of this salad is the combination of ruby red grapefruit and tangerines, but you can easily substitute them with other citrus fruits. If grapefruit is hard to find, pink grapefruit makes a great alternative. Oranges, clementines, and even seasonal fruits like pears can add a delightful twist!

How should I store leftover herbed citrus salad?
For the best taste and texture, store any leftover herbed citrus salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about 3 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the greens from wilting.

Can I freeze herbed citrus salad?
Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The citrus fruits lose their delightful juiciness and become mushy once thawed. I recommend enjoying it fresh to appreciate the vibrant flavors and textures!

What can I do if my dressing is too thick?
No worries! If you find your tahini dressing is too thick, simply whisk in a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add an extra splash of lemon juice for more tang—it’s all about personal preference!

Are there any dietary considerations with this salad?
This herbed citrus salad is vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it a wonderful option for various dietary needs. However, if you have nut allergies, be cautious with tahini and consider using sunflower seed butter instead for a nut-free alternative. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure safety!

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance! Chop your citrus fruits and mix the dressing a day ahead. Just remember to assemble the salad closer to serving time to keep your greens crisp and fresh. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of your herbed citrus salad with tahini dressing!