I cannot believe I forgot to tell you about one of our new favorite, winter salad recipes, Blood Orange Salad. Or, as we like to call it, Christmas Salad. This is the perfect Christmas or Holiday salad, not only because of the seasonal flavors, but we loooove the colors. Just watch as that dressing settles and has it’s own little Ombre look. Gosh, I’m so fashionable that even my food could walk the runway (said as I’m chillin’ in grey sweats, an Abercrombie sweatshirt from 2000 and fluffy hospital socks.) 😉
I had the fantastic opportunity to go to Utah Valley Magazine a while back and a few of us bloggers were able to do a photo shoot of our favorite holiday dishes. Trust me, this one is definitely a favorite. I’ve also been itching to make Janey’s (Utah Valley Foodie) cheese dip. Good mercy that thing was delicious. Actually everyone’s food was amazing. Lindsey, Cafe Johnsonia even went all out with a Cassoulet. She’s a genius. I want to grow up just like her, but I’m not growing up for at least 10 more years.
Seriously though, how beautiful is that ombre dessing? Your guests (the ladies over the look and everyone over the flavor) will be loving this beautiful and tasty holiday salad. It’s packed full of oranges, blood oranges, beautiful greens, pears and brown sugar almonds. Oh, and the dressing is seriously perfect for the season. It’s a little bit citrus and warm spice all wrapped up in a neat, little package. Your holiday meal will not be the same without this beauty.
What Are Blood Oranges?
Blood orange is a variety of orange with crimson, almost blood-colored flesh.
Blood orange is a deep red flesh and a rind with a bright red blush.
The flavor is stronger and the aroma is more intense than a normal orange.
This fruit has a distinct, sweet flavor with a hint of raspberry.
Are Blood Oranges Good For You?
Blood oranges are low in calories.
Blood oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, and a good source of fiber and potassium.
Are Almonds Healthy?
Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E.
The health benefits of almonds include lower blood sugar levels, reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels.
Blood Orange Salad
Christmas Blood Orange Salad
Description
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1/4 Cup Blood Orange Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Blood Orange Zest
- 1 Tablespoon Orange Juice, regular
- 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Honey Wine Vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/8-1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 1 Pinch Sea Salt
For The Almonds
- 1/2 Cup Almonds, slivered
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Parchment Paper
For the Salad
- 1 Package Mixed Greens
- 1 Red Pear, sliced
- 1/2 Orange, peeled and sectioned
- 1/2 Blood Orange, peeled and sectioned
- 1/4-1/3 Cup Gruyere Cheese, grated
- 1/3 Cup Almonds, brown sugared
Instructions
For the Dressing
- Add all of the ingredients into a mason jar and shake to combine.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
For the Almonds
- Heat a pan to medium heat.
- Add the almonds and cook for 2-3 minutes or until nutty in smell and lightly golden.
- Quickly add the butter and cook just until it is melted.
- Quickly add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring to combine and turn out onto parchment paper to cool.
For the Salad
- Mix the greens, oranges, pears, and cheese.
- Top with almonds and dressing, enjoy!
Mary
My grocery store doesn’t have blood oranges. What kind of orange can I substitute?
Sweet Basil
Hi Mary! Just regular navel oranges will work great! Enjoy!
Mange
Well this is definitely on the menu for next week, thanks!
Sweet Basil
Yay! enjoy!
Lilsa
Hi,
How many does this Christmas salad serve?
Thanks.
Sweet Basil
As long as you only buy the regular salad greens package it serves about 5 or 6 people but we get the large and double the fruit and nuts but leave the dressing the same and it serves about 10.
Kesley
Is there something I can substitute instead of the honey wine vinegar. Not sure my local grocery store will have it and I don’t have time to order it off that site.
Kesley
Nevermind I just saw it above 🙂
hen party pampering at home
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Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Such a pretty salad for the holidays!
Sweet Basil
Thanks Laura!! I thought so too, but food is kinda like your kid, you always think it’s the best when truth be told, it could be all kinds of awkward. 😉
Jamie @ Thrifty Veggie Mama
I love blood oranges and can’t wait to start seeing them in the grocery store again.
Aggie
I look forward to blood oranges every year, they are so pretty and so is this salad. 🙂
Cathy @ Noble Pig
That’s gorgeous. I love having these available this time of year. I’ve never had them in a salad dressing, great idea.
Emily
SO pretty!
Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings
yum! this looks perfect for christmas day!
Maria Tadic
This looks like a great salad for company!!! Will have to add this to my list of “to-make” dishes! Thanks!
Linda | The Urban Mrs
Oh yeah, I love your presentation on this salad. Looks very fresh and inviting. Definitely something I can enjoy now. Yum!
Brooke
I love this salad! …but, I can’t see the recipe on this post…would you please email it to me? Thanks!
Sweet Basil
Hi Brooke! It’s back up and running. Let me know if you need help with anything. Or if you still cannot see it.
Brooke
Looks great! Thanks!
Alaina @ Fabtastic Eats
This looks gorgeous! I LOVE blood oranges!