The vibrant colors and flavors of the season are everything I want on my plate on these hot summer days, and this Nectarine and Orange Salad delivers those healthy and tasty vibes in spades. It’s a beautiful salad with sliced nectarines, oranges, red onion, goat cheese, and pumpkin seeds.
A Serene Evening on the Boardwalk
I was reminded of summer’s vibrant and refreshing qualities while walking along the boardwalk on our daily after-dinner stroll last night. We had feasted on this Nectarine and Orange Salad with bright flavors and hues. It felt good to nourish ourselves with organic produce and move our bodies before retiring for the evening.
Families played on the shore, two women chatted on a rock out in the blue water, another woman sat in a lotus pose at the end of a vibrant green moss-covered pier, eyes closed in meditation, and a gull and a tourist shared a profound twenty-minute moment. Palm trees swayed in the balmy breeze as diners enjoyed meals at seaside eateries, and swallows dipped and swirled overhead in their evening dance. I reveled in the lively and joyous atmosphere.
Embrace the Juicy Goodness of a Nectarine and Orange Salad
With the arrival of summer comes an abundance of farm-fresh produce. I’m especially happy to see ripe stone fruits in season, and I like to incorporate them into dishes whenever possible. This salad combines the sweetness of oranges and nectarines, a delicious duo. The fruit is layered on a bed of spicy arugula and topped with thinly sliced red onion, crunchy pumpkin seeds, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy honey-ginger dressing. Much like my evening walk, enjoying this salad is a celebration of the season’s best flavors and colors.
Perfect Flavor Profile
My husband says this is the “perfect” salad in terms of flavor profile. It has all the desirable elements—sweet, sour, salty, spicy, tangy, and creamy. I fully agree with him. Serve it as a side salad, or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced teriyaki tofu to create a fantastic lunch or dinner entrée.
The Nutritional Perks
This salad is not just delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients:
- Nectarines and Oranges: Rich in vitamins A and C, they boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.
- Arugula: A great source of calcium, potassium, and folate, supporting bone health and reducing blood pressure.
- Pumpkin Seeds: High in antioxidants and healthy fats, they promote heart health.
- Goat Cheese: Provides protein and probiotics for a healthy gut.
Nectarine and Orange Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large orange peeled and segmented
- 2 nectarines
- 4 cups Arugula
- ¼ cup red onion sliced thinly
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 3.5 ounce French-style goat cheese or sliced avocado
Instructions
- Assemble the salad by laying the arugula in a large bowl or platter.
- Scatter the red onion, nectarine, and orange segments over the arugula.
- Arrange the goat cheese on top of the fruit.
- Scatter the pumpkin seeds and drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Nutrition
Honey Ginger Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grainy mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 small knob of ginger grated
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, grainy mustard, honey, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is well combined.
Nutrition
How to Segment an Orange
- Place the orange on a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to slice off the orange’s top and bottom ends. Remove the Peel and Stand the orange on one of the flat ends.
- Starting at the top, slice downward, following the curve of the orange to remove a strip of peel and pith. Continue this around the orange until it’s fully peeled.
- Segment the Orange:
- Hold the peeled orange in one hand.
- Identify the thin membranes that separate each segment.
- Insert the knife blade along one side of a segment, cutting close to the membrane.
- Make a similar cut on the other side of the same segment, freeing it from the membrane.
- Gently lift out the segment.
Repeat this process for each segment.
Enjoy this vibrant and nutritious Nectarine and Orange Salad as a refreshing addition to your summer meals!
Discover more from Epicurean Eva
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.