Perfectly Balanced Salad with Citrus Dressing

Citrus dressing is a versatile addition to any salad, enhancing its flavors and providing a refreshing burst of citrusy zest. This recipe for a perfectly balanced salad with citrus dressing is perfect for those looking to add some variety to their meal repertoire or simply enjoy a light yet satisfying lunch. The cooking time for this dish is approximately 15 minutes, and it serves two people generously.

The key ingredients you'll need include leafy greens such as romaine lettuce and arugula, which provide a crisp and fresh base; cherry tomatoes for their natural sweetness and pop of color; cucumbers to cool down the palate; and red onions for that slight kick. For the dressing, zest from two oranges, juice from one orange, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and some crumbled feta cheese add a delightful tangy-sweet balance.

To start preparing your salad, first, wash all the leafy greens thoroughly to ensure they are clean and free of any dirt. Next, chop up the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, slice the cucumbers thinly on an angle for easy digestion, and finely dice the red onions until you have a fine texture. Set these aside.

For the dressing, zest two oranges using a zester tool or a microplane grater to get a generous amount of zest that will add color as well as flavor. Juice one orange by squeezing it over a sieve placed on a bowl; this ensures you collect all the juice without seeds. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil with the orange zest, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of honey for sweetness, and salt and pepper to taste.

Once your ingredients are prepped, combine the greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle half of the citrus dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently with tongs or forks until everything is evenly coated but still crisp.

To make it even more delightful, you can add some grilled chicken breast strips for extra protein. Grill them separately using olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning mix such as paprika or cayenne pepper for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Once done, cut into bite-sized pieces before incorporating it back into the salad.

Alternatively, if you prefer a vegetarian option, this salad also pairs wonderfully with grilled halloumi cheese, which adds a nice savory flavor while maintaining its shape when heated up. Just grill slices of halloumi until lightly browned and add them to your bowl after tossing in the dressing.

The beauty of this balanced citrus salad lies in its versatility – it can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with grilled chicken, halloumi cheese, or even served alongside some grilled fish fillets for a complete dinner. It's also incredibly versatile; you could experiment by adding different types of greens like spinach or watercress, incorporating other fruits such as sliced apples or grapes, and changing up the dressing to include lemon juice instead of orange.

Not only is this salad visually appealing with its vibrant colors but it’s also packed full of nutrients. Leafy greens are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and folate while providing minimal calories. Tomatoes contribute lycopene which is good for heart health, cucumbers supply vitamin K, folic acid, potassium, and silica that helps support bone strength.

Remember to store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it can keep fresh for about two weeks. This way, you always have some ready when inspiration strikes! Whether you're hosting friends over or simply treating yourself, this simple yet delicious salad with citrus dressing will become one of your go-to recipes.

With its quick preparation time and ability to cater to various dietary needs, it's no wonder why this perfectly balanced citrus salad remains a favorite among many. Serve it chilled for that refreshing kick during summer or at room temperature throughout the year round. Bon Appétit!