Oh my gosh, you have to try this winter citrus salad with feta – it’s like sunshine on a plate! I first made this during a gloomy January when I desperately needed something bright and cheerful. The combination of sweet oranges, tangy grapefruit, and salty feta is absolute magic. What I love most (besides how ridiculously easy it is) is how the honey and olive oil dressing brings all the flavors together. After years of making Mediterranean-inspired salads, this one’s become my winter staple. It’s fresh, it’s vibrant, and it takes literally 10 minutes to throw together – perfect for when you need a quick burst of happiness in your day!
Why You’ll Love This Winter Citrus Salad with Feta
Trust me, this isn’t just any salad – it’s a little bowl of winter joy! Here’s why it’s become my go-to:
- Takes just 10 minutes to make (seriously – faster than ordering takeout!)
- That magical sweet-tangy-salty combo wakes up your taste buds
- Packed with vitamin C to fight off winter colds
- The colors alone will brighten the dreariest January day
- Works as a light lunch, fancy side dish, or even a breakfast treat
I’ve served this to everyone from my picky niece to my foodie friends, and every single person asks for the recipe. That’s when you know it’s good!
Ingredients for Winter Citrus Salad with Feta
Okay, let me tell you exactly what you’ll need to make this sunshine-in-a-bowl salad. I’m super picky about my ingredients because each one plays a special role:
- 2 oranges – peeled and sliced into rounds (navel or cara cara work best)
- 1 grapefruit – peeled and sliced (go for ruby red if you can find it!)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese – crumbled (the good stuff, not pre-crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – extra virgin, please
- 1 tablespoon honey – local if you have it
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves – torn by hand (trust me, it makes a difference)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds – those little ruby jewels
- Salt and pepper – just a pinch of each
See? Simple stuff, but when combined just right, it’s absolute magic. I always tell my friends – don’t skimp on quality here. That fresh citrus and good feta make all the difference!
How to Make Winter Citrus Salad with Feta
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making this gorgeous salad! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results will wow everyone. Here’s exactly how I put it together:
Step 1: Prepare the Citrus
First, grab your oranges and grapefruit. I like to cut off both ends, then slice downward following the curve of the fruit to remove all the peel and bitter white pith. Then, slice them into pretty 1/4-inch rounds – just thick enough to hold their shape. Check for any sneaky seeds and pop them out if you find any!
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Now, arrange those beautiful citrus slices on your serving plate. I like to alternate the orange and grapefruit slices in a pretty pattern – but hey, no need to be perfect! Then comes my favorite part: take handfuls of that crumbly feta and sprinkle it all over like winter snow. Try to get even coverage so every bite gets some salty goodness.
Step 3: Add the Dressing and Garnish
Here’s where the magic happens! Drizzle that golden olive oil all over, then follow with the honey – I like to do zigzags. Next, scatter those bright pomegranate seeds and tear the mint leaves by hand (the oils smell amazing this way). Finish with just a tiny pinch of salt and pepper to wake up all the flavors. And please – serve it immediately! The citrus starts releasing juice the second the dressing hits it, so you want that perfect textural contrast.
Tips for the Best Winter Citrus Salad with Feta
After making this salad more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Squeeze test your citrus – it should feel heavy for its size (that means juicy!)
- Taste your honey first – some are sweeter than others, so adjust accordingly
- Toast some walnuts or pistachios for crunch if you’re feeling fancy
- Keep your knife slightly wet when slicing citrus – it prevents sticking
- Let the salad sit for just 2 minutes after dressing – the flavors marry beautifully
Oh! And always make extra – this disappears faster than you’d think!
Variations for Winter Citrus Salad with Feta
One of my favorite things about this salad is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried:
- Swap feta for creamy goat cheese or ricotta salata for a milder tang
- Toss in some avocado slices for extra creaminess (add right before serving)
- Try blood oranges when they’re in season – that deep red color is stunning
- Add toasted almonds or pistachios for crunch
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze instead of honey for a deeper flavor
The basic recipe is perfect as-is, but don’t be afraid to play around – that’s how kitchen magic happens! If you enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors, you might also love trying out a Christmas air fryer roasted Brussels sprouts salad variation sometime!
Serving Suggestions for Winter Citrus Salad with Feta
Oh, the possibilities with this salad! My favorite way? Piled high on crusty sourdough with a smear of ricotta – instant fancy bruschetta. It’s incredible alongside simple grilled chicken or fish for an easy weeknight dinner. Honestly though, I’ve been known to eat it straight from the bowl with just a fork for the brightest lunch ever. The tart citrus cuts through rich dishes beautifully, so don’t be shy about serving it with creamy pastas or cheesy casseroles. Just promise me you’ll make enough – people always go back for seconds!
Storage & Reheating
Okay, real talk – this salad is absolutely best the second it’s made. The citrus stays crisp, the feta holds its shape, and that honey-olive oil combo just sings. If you must store it, pop it in the fridge for no more than 2 hours (any longer and things get soggy). Whatever you do, don’t even think about reheating – warm citrus is just… wrong. Trust me on this one!
Nutritional Information
Now let’s talk about what’s actually in this beautiful bowl of sunshine! (Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact amounts will vary based on your ingredients.) One generous serving packs about 220 calories, with 12g of healthy fats from that olive oil and feta. You’re getting 25g of carbs (mostly from the natural fruit sugars), 4g of fiber, and 4g of protein to keep you satisfied. The best part? All that vitamin C from the citrus will give your immune system a winter boost!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about this salad all the time – here are the questions that pop up most often!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead?
Honestly? It’s best fresh. But you can prep citrus slices and crumble feta ahead – just store separately and assemble right before serving!
What Other Cheeses Work Well?
Goat cheese is fabulous here! Ricotta salata or even mild queso fresco would work beautifully too. For another great cheese-focused side, check out this air fryer herbed cream cheese dip.
Is This Salad Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! The sweet citrus and honey usually win kids over – just go easy on the grapefruit if they’re sensitive to tart flavors.
Can I Use Bottled Citrus Juice?
Please don’t! Fresh slices give that perfect juicy crunch – bottled juice would make everything soggy.
How Do I Pick the Best Citrus?
Look for fruits that feel heavy for their size with smooth, firm skin. Give them a sniff – they should smell sweet and citrusy!
Print
10-Minute Winter Citrus Salad with Feta: Pure Sunshine Bliss
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing winter salad combining citrus fruits with feta cheese for a bright and tangy flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 oranges, peeled and sliced
- 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Arrange the sliced oranges and grapefruit on a serving plate.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the citrus slices.
- Drizzle olive oil and honey evenly over the salad.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and pomegranate seeds.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh citrus for the best flavor.
- Adjust honey and salt to your preference.
- Add nuts like walnuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean