Romaine Citrus Symphony Salad

Romaine Citrus Symphony Salad

The Romaine Citrus Symphony is a refreshing celebration of bold flavors and radiant color. Crisp Romaine lettuce forms the backbone of this salad, offering cool crunch and a neutral green base. Juicy orange segments and ruby grapefruit slices burst with sweetness and a hint of tartness, while thinly sliced radishes and ribbons of carrot add a peppery bite and vibrant visual appeal. Creamy goat cheese brings a subtle tang, and toasted pistachios contribute a rich, nutty crunch. Fresh mint leaves add an aromatic lift that makes each forkful feel bright and invigorating.
Every element in this salad is chosen to create harmony between taste and texture. Citrus fruits balance the richness of the goat cheese, while pistachios offer a pleasing contrast to the tender Romaine and juicy orange. The hint of mint ties all the flavors together for a light and lively finish. Enjoy this salad as a stand-alone main course for lunch or as a colorful starter at dinner. For the perfect pairing, serve it with a Honey-Citrus Vinaigrette.
Prep Time 18 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Salad
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Romaine lettuce washed and torn
  • 1 small orange peeled and segmented
  • 1/2 small ruby grapefruit peeled and segmented
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced radish
  • 1/2 cup carrot peeled into ribbons
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 3 tablespoons shelled pistachios toasted and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves torn or thinly sliced
  • Pinch sea salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Honey-Citrus Vinaigrette (or dressing of choice)

Equipment

  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Small bowl (for vinaigrette or segmenting citrus)
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Salad spinner (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prepare all produce by washing and drying thoroughly. Tear Romaine into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Peel and segment the orange and grapefruit, removing any seeds or membranes. Set aside the segments.
  3. Slice the radish thinly and use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrot into ribbons.
  4. Add the citrus segments, radish slices, and carrot ribbons to the Romaine.
  5. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and toasted pistachios over the salad.
  6. Tear or thinly slice the mint leaves and add most of them to the bowl, reserving a few for garnish.
  7. Drizzle with Honey-Citrus Vinaigrette, then gently toss everything together with tongs until evenly coated.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the remaining mint and serve immediately.

Notes

Mint is the featured herb in this salad. It offers a cooling, slightly sweet flavor with notes of menthol that pair beautifully with juicy citrus and creamy goat cheese. For the freshest taste and aroma, tear or thinly slice mint leaves just before serving, and add them at the very end of preparation. This preserves their essential oils and keeps their vibrant green color.
Mint is rich in vitamin A, an antioxidant that supports eye health and immune function. It also provides small amounts of folate and manganese. According to research published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research (2018), mint contains natural compounds like menthol and rosmarinic acid, which have been shown to offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. The cooling effect of mint can also aid digestion and refresh the palate between bites. By combining mint with Romaine, citrus, nuts, cheese, and colorful vegetables, this salad offers a wide range of nutrients, textures, and flavors. The Romaine Citrus Symphony is a delicious and nourishing choice for any season, bringing together color, crunch, and a lively burst of freshness in every bowl.

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