This Citrus and Olive Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that blends sweet, tangy citrus fruits with the briny richness of olives. It’s a versatile side or light appetizer, perfect for any occasion.The combination of fresh ingredients like oranges, grapefruits, olives, and herbs creates a vibrant salad bursting with flavor, texture, and color. It’s simple, quick, and full of nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a healthy meal.
Optional: 1/4 cup feta cheesecrumbled or a handful of almonds (chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the Citrus: Peel and segment the oranges and grapefruit, removing all the pith.Set the citrus segments aside.
Slice the Olives and Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and green olives. If you find the onion too strong, you can soak the slices in water for 10 minutes to reduce the sharpness.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the citrus segments, sliced olives, and red onion.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.Toss the ingredients gently to coat evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley (and optional feta or almonds) over the salad for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately or chill briefly for a more refreshing taste.
Notes
Citrus Variety: You can use a mix of different citrus fruits like tangerines or mandarins for additional flavor variety.
Olive Choices: Kalamata olives can be substituted for a richer, more robust flavor. Alternatively, black olives work as well.
Make-Ahead Tip: While the salad is best fresh, you can prep the citrus segments, olives, and onions in advance, then toss everything together just before serving.
Add a Sweet Touch: If you prefer a sweeter version, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds makes a great addition.
Storage: This salad doesn’t store well for long, so enjoy it within a day to maintain the crispness of the citrus.