If you’re ready for a burst of sunshine on your plate, the Citrus Arugula Salad is about to become your newest obsession. This salad is a celebration of vibrant flavors: peppery arugula, sweet-tart oranges and grapefruit, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a zesty citrus dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything. It’s as beautiful to look at as it is delightful to eat, perfect for those days when you want something both nourishing and full of flair. Whether you serve it as a starter, light lunch, or refreshing side, the Citrus Arugula Salad never fails to brighten up the table and lift everyone’s spirits.

Citrus Arugula Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Citrus Arugula Salad comes together with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients—each carefully chosen for its taste, texture, or visual pop. Here’s what you’ll need and why every component earns its spot in the bowl:

Arugula: Brings fresh, peppery bite and makes the green base extra lively.
Oranges: Offer sweet juiciness and vibrant color—navel, Cara Cara, or even blood oranges all work beautifully.
Grapefruit: Adds tangy brightness and a note of pleasant bitterness for depth.
Red Onion: Sliced thin, these give a sharp crunch and a gentle heat that pairs wonderfully with citrus.
Feta Cheese: Delivers creamy, tangy richness to counterbalance all those fresh flavors.
Toasted Sliced Almonds: Provide irresistible crunch and a toasty aroma that rounds everything out.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the silky base for a homemade citrus dressing.
Honey: Sweetens the vinaigrette and balances the tart notes.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Lends tangy zing and wakes up the entire salad.
Fresh Orange Juice: Enhances the citrusy brightness in the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Gives a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
Salt: Makes every flavor shine with just the right seasoning.
Black Pepper: Adds a final, gentle kick to the dressing.

How to Make Citrus Arugula Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Citrus Vinaigrette

Start by making the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or a sealable jar, combine the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk (or shake in the jar) until everything is nicely combined and the dressing looks creamy and glossy. This simple yet striking vinaigrette brings all the flavors of the Citrus Arugula Salad together in delicious harmony.

Step 2: Prep the Citrus and Greens

Next, grab your oranges and grapefruit. Peel them carefully and slice them into thin, beautiful rounds. This not only makes the salad eye-catching but also ensures every bite gets a perfect blend of sweet and tart. Place the arugula in a large serving bowl or spread it out on a wide platter, creating a gorgeous green bed for the fruit.

Step 3: Assemble the Citrus Arugula Salad

Now it’s time to layer on the flavor! Arrange the orange and grapefruit slices evenly over the arugula, making sure you scatter them for maximum appeal. Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the citrus, then generously add the crumbled feta. Finish with a shower of toasted sliced almonds for that irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the assembled salad just before serving. You can toss everything lightly if you prefer a fully mingled medley, or leave it layered for a dramatic presentation. Either way, the Citrus Arugula Salad is ready to shine and impress your guests!

How to Serve Citrus Arugula Salad

Garnishes

Elevate your Citrus Arugula Salad even more with a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a few extra mint leaves, or a scatters of pomegranate seeds for added sparkle and tang. These little touches make each serving look restaurant-worthy and add fun variety to every bite.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with a light soup—think creamy tomato or a springy asparagus—and makes a particularly vibrant companion to grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even simple herbed flatbread. It’s a fresh, zingy counterpoint to richer mains, making your whole meal feel balanced and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve the Citrus Arugula Salad layered on a long platter so the colors really shine through. You can also plate it individually for a dinner party, stacking the citrus slices in elegant fans, or tuck the salad into endive leaves for festive, hand-held appetizer bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Citrus Arugula Salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a day, as the arugula can wilt and the citrus may release extra juice, softening the greens over time.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t recommended, as the delicate textures of arugula and citrus become soggy when thawed. For optimal flavor and crunch, always enjoy Citrus Arugula Salad freshly assembled.

Reheating

Since the Citrus Arugula Salad is a no-cook dish and best served cold, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply toss leftovers gently to redistribute the dressing, and enjoy straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I prepare the Citrus Arugula Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the citrus, onion, feta, and almonds a few hours in advance, as well as make the dressing. Wait to assemble and dress the salad until just before serving for best freshness and crunch.

What’s the best way to peel and slice citrus for a salad?

For neat slices, use a sharp knife to slice both ends off the orange and grapefruit, set on a flat end, and cut away the peel and pith in strips. Then cut the fruit into rounds for a gorgeous, juicy effect.

Can I use other greens instead of arugula?

Definitely! While arugula gives a signature peppery note, you can swap in baby spinach, mixed spring greens, or even thinly sliced kale. Just know that each green will give the salad its own personality.

What proteins pair well with Citrus Arugula Salad?

This salad loves a topping of grilled shrimp, chicken, or even flaked salmon for a heartier meal. You can also try chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian boost of protein.

Does the salad work without nuts or dairy?

Of course! If you need a nut-free version, simply omit the almonds. Dairy-free? Try crumbled dairy-free feta or skip it entirely. The Citrus Arugula Salad is flexible enough for most diets.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a Citrus Arugula Salad at your table—the colors, flavors, and zesty aromas always put everyone in a good mood. Give it a try and let its refreshing taste brighten up even the simplest meal. Your future self (and anyone you share it with) will thank you!

Citrus Arugula Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant Citrus Arugula Salad that combines the peppery crunch of arugula with the sweet tang of oranges and grapefruit, topped with feta cheese and toasted almonds, all tossed in a zesty citrus dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

5 cups fresh arugula
2 oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced into rounds
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

Dressing:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Salad: Arrange the arugula on a large serving platter or in a salad bowl. Layer the orange and grapefruit slices over the greens, followed by the red onion. Sprinkle with feta cheese and toasted almonds. Drizzle with the citrus dressing just before serving and toss lightly if desired.