This winter Citrus and Arugula Salad with juicy citrus and spicy arugula makes the perfect colorful salad to brighten up the winter months!
This recipe was updated in 2023 with new photos and more step by step instructions.
Winter dishes are usually heavy stews and soups, but this time of year is also citrus season! Adding citrus like grapefruit to your meal is a great way to brighten up the flavors and add some beautiful colors.
Check out Grapefruit Orange Juice, Winter Grapefruit Moscow Mule, Grapefruit Rosemary Mojito, and Grapefruit Salad Dressing to add a fresh and bright pop of flavor to your meal!
Jump to RecipeWhy this recipe works
- Makes a bright and refreshing side dish.
- Simple and limited ingredients.
- Easy and ready in 15 minutes.
- Vegan
- Gluten free
- Dairy free
Ingredients
Arugula
Peppery arugula makes the base of this salad. You can use regular or baby arugula. Substitute for spinach if you don’t like arugula.
Citrus
I used 2 grapefruits for this citrus salad, but you can use your favorite citrus like blood oranges or mandarins. Browse your local farmers market to see which citrus is in season near you!
Unsalted Pistachios
These add the perfect crunch to this simple salad! Substitute for Almond slivers, toasted pine nuts, or pecans.
Grapefruit Vinaigrette
This simple grapefruit vinaigrette with fresh grapefruit, extra-virgin olive oil, and dijon mustard makes the perfect addition to this salad! You can substitute for any dressing you like. Some other great options are Lemon Chive Salad Dressing, Dill and Mustard Dressing, or Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce.
Extras
This is a simple salad you can make your own. Try adding avocado, red onion, or roasted butternut squash to this salad recipe.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to cut citrus fruit segments
- With a paring knife, cut the top and bottom off of the grapefruit so that the grapefruit can sit flat.
- Cut the skins and white pith off of the grapefruit by placing the grapefruit flat and cutting your knife downwards to the counter/cutting board. You may have to flip it upside down to get the skins off of the bottom.
- Segment the grapefruit by cutting in between the membranes (white dividers) of the grapefruit, to create little wedges. I like to cut a triangle by slicing the right side closest to the membrane towards the center and then the left side closest to the membrane in towards the center so that the piece comes right out.
- Finish segmenting the entire grapefruit. Leave the leftover pieces of the grapefruit membrane to the side. Repeat with the second grapefruit.
How to make a citrus arugula salad
To make this easy winter citrus salad, start with a large serving or mixing bowl.
Add arugula and place grapefruit or citrus segments and pistachios on top.
Toss with the salad dressing, and top with flakey sea salt and serve!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this simple side dish with these main courses.
- Lemon Pepper Pork Chops
- Panko Crusted Baked Cod
- Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Fig Glaze
- Gluten Free Breaded Fish
- Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Salsa Verde
Expert Tips
- Topping your Grapefruit Arugula Salad with salt really helps bring out the flavors.
- Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It is best to store grapefruit, dressing, and arugula all separately so it doesn't become soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which citrus fruits work best with this salad?
For this Easy citrus salad, I like using grapefruit, blood orange, or mandarin oranges. You can try any of your favorite citrus!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can segment the citrus a day ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then assemble the salad when you are ready to serve.
More Simple Salad Recipes
- Lemony Kale and Spinach Salad
- Simple Arugula and Spinach Salad
- Tajín Watermelon Mint Salad
- Vegan Couscous Salad
- Kale Quinoa Salad with Orange Ginger Dressing
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below so I know what you think! Follow Elise Tries to Cook on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and Subscribe via email to receive the latest recipes!
📖 Recipe
Citrus Arugula Salad
Ingredients
- 7 OZ Arugula washed thoroughly
- 2 Citrus fruits grapefruit, blood orange, or mandarins
- ½ Cup Unsalted Pistachios
- ½ TSP Salt
- Grapefruit vinaigrette
Instructions
Segment the citrus
- With a paring knife, cut the top and bottom off of the grapefruit so that the grapefruit can sit flat.
- Cut the skins off of the grapefruit by placing the grapefruit flat and cutting your knife downwards to the counter/cutting board. You may have to flip it upside down to get the skins off of the bottom.
- Segment the grapefruit by cutting in between the membranes (white dividers) of the grapefruit, to create little wedges. I like to cut a triangle by slicing the right side closest to the membrane towards the center and then the left side closest to the membrane in towards the center so that the piece comes right out.
- Finish segmenting the entire grapefruit. Leave the leftover pieces of the grapefruit membrane to the side. Repeat with the second grapefruit.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, add the arugula. Place the grapefruit and pistachios on top and gently mix. Sprinkle with the salt.
- Spoon the salad dressing on top.
- Mix and serve.
Notes
- Topping your Grapefruit Arugula Salad with salt really helps bring out the flavors.
- Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It is best to store grapefruit, dressing, and arugula all separately so it doesn't become soggy.
Nutrition
Ever since she taught herself how to cook, Elise has been making simple recipes with fresh ingredients. She believes the best recipes highlight the ingredients by using the best of cooking techniques. She’s an avid juicer and has juiced each and every fruit and vegetable there is. She also creates savory recipes inspired by what’s available in California. Many of her authentic Mexican recipes are passed down from her from mother in law and is a huge influence on her cooking.