Orange Walnut Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad combining sweet oranges, crunchy walnuts, and fresh greens, perfect for light lunches or elegant gatherings with a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine lettuce, spinach, oranges, and red onion in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, saut walnuts in butter until lightly browned.
- Add the toasted walnuts to the lettuce mixture.
- Toss the salad with Sweet-and-Sour Dressing before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, try toasting the walnuts in the oven instead of sautéing them. You can substitute the bibb lettuce with arugula for a peppery flavor or use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty taste. If you're short on time, pre-packaged salad greens and canned mandarin oranges can work in a pinch, but fresh ingredients yield the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Walnut Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a wholesome meal. It can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish for a larger dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle some feta cheese on top or serve it alongside a slice of California Bread to soak up the dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the greens from wilting, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. If the salad needs refreshing after storage, toss in some fresh greens or additional oranges to revive its flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Walnut Salad contains roughly 268 calories, with 7g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, you can substitute bibb lettuce with other greens like romaine or mixed salad greens. Each type of lettuce will provide a different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make the salad vegan, simply omit the butter used for toasting the walnuts, or substitute it with a plant-based butter or olive oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making it a great plant-based option.
What dressing works best with this salad?
A Sweet-and-Sour Dressing complements the flavors of the oranges and walnuts exceptionally well. However, a light vinaigrette or a citrus-based dressing can also enhance the freshness of the salad without overpowering it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).