I’ve been looking for a really easy, yet stunning salad to brighten up our dinner table, and this is it! The sweet, low-acid burst of Cara Cara oranges pairs beautifully with the peppery bite of arugula and the creamy tang of feta. This Cara Cara Orange Salad with Feta and Arugula is truly a revelation — vibrant, quick, and bursting with fresh flavor, making it a delightful and wholesome meal for busy weeknights or a show-stopping side for any family gathering. We’ll show you how to effortlessly gather ingredients, follow simple steps, and customize this fabulous Cara Cara Orange Salad.
Ingredient Spotlight and Smart Choices
This Cara Cara Orange Salad with Feta and Arugula comes alive with fresh, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find.
- 3-4 Cara Cara oranges (340-450g), peeled and segmented — for sweet juiciness and vibrant color.
- 5 oz (140g) fresh arugula — crisp, peppery bite (or baby spinach if you prefer a milder taste).
- 4 oz (115g) feta cheese, crumbled — creamy, tangy contrast (or crumbled goat cheese if that’s in your fridge).
- ¼ small red onion (60g), very thinly sliced — for a delicate crunch.
- ¼ cup (60ml) good quality extra virgin olive oil — creates a smooth dressing base.
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) white wine vinegar — adds bright acidity.
- 1 tsp (5ml) honey — a touch of sweetness to balance the dressing.
- ¼ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper — to season perfectly.
For an elevated experience, choose organic Cara Cara oranges. For dietary needs, omit feta for a plant-based option or add grilled chicken for a high-protein meal. Select heavy, smooth-skinned Cara Cara oranges and crisp arugula for the best flavor in this healthy dinner recipe.
Clear Step-by-Step Instructions
Crafting this vibrant Cara Cara Orange Salad with Feta and Arugula is delightfully straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect family meal.
- Prep Oranges (5-7 mins): Carefully peel 3-4 Cara Cara oranges, ensuring all white pith is removed. Slice them into beautiful rounds or segments, noting their vibrant pinkish-orange hue.
- Slice Onion (2-3 mins): Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, thinly slice ¼ small red onion. Aim for translucent, delicate rings that offer a mild, fresh crunch.
- Whisk Dressing (1-2 mins): In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil, 2 Tbsp (30ml) white wine vinegar, 1 tsp (5ml) honey, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp black pepper until slightly emulsified and thickened.
- Assemble Salad (1-2 mins): In a large serving bowl, gently combine 5 oz (140g) fresh arugula, the prepared Cara Cara orange slices, and thinly sliced red onion. The colors should look appealing and fresh.
- Dress and Serve (1 min): Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat until the leaves shimmer. Finish by crumbling 4 oz (115g) feta cheese evenly over the top. Serve your Cara Cara Orange Salad immediately while crisp.
When I’m really short on time for a quick meal, I often use a bag of pre-washed arugula and sometimes just rough chop the oranges rather than segmenting. It still tastes amazing!
If your arugula seems too bitter, try soaking it in cold water for 10 minutes before drying thoroughly to mellow the flavor. If oranges are difficult to peel, score the skin with a knife before peeling.
Perfect Occasions & Serving Inspiration
This Cara Cara Orange Salad with Feta and Arugula is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for many different meals. Enjoy it as a light weeknight side dish, an elegant addition to brunch, a refreshing potluck contribution, or a vibrant lunch option when you need something quick and satisfying.
- Pairing ideas: Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also complements roasted vegetables beautifully or makes a lovely addition to crusty artisan bread.
- Make-ahead, storage, and reheating details: For convenience and easy dinner ideas, the dressing and sliced Cara Cara oranges can be prepared up to 1 day ahead and stored separately in the fridge. Assemble the Cara Cara Orange Salad just before serving to keep the arugula crisp. Leftovers are best consumed within 1-2 days, stored in an airtight container in the fridge. No reheating is needed, as it’s best served chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Advantages of Cara Cara Orange Salad with Feta and Arugula
This Cara Cara Orange Salad supports balanced eating and fits well into healthy lifestyle goals due to its fresh, whole ingredients and vibrant nutrition. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking a tasty, low-carb meal.
- Provides a natural energy boost from Vitamin C-rich Cara Cara oranges.
- Encourages balanced meals with a good mix of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- A family-friendly option that’s both appealing and nutritious for healthy eating.
- Excellent for quick meal prep when components are separated, saving time during busy weeknights.
- A naturally healthy dinner recipe or side that feels indulgent without heavy ingredients.
Everyday Practical Benefits
This Cara Cara Orange Salad is a hero for its ease, affordability, and fantastic nutritional profile. It truly simplifies wholesome cooking for any home cook.
- Simplify weeknight meals with a delicious, no-fuss salad ready in minutes.
- Enjoy a healthy dinner recipe without needing special skills or exotic ingredients.
- Add vibrant colors and flavors to your table, making healthy eating exciting for the whole family.
Expert Tips, Variations & Adjustments
Elevate your Cara Cara Orange Salad with a few simple tricks. These adjustments ensure maximum flavor and presentation.
- Pro chef tricks for better flavor, texture, or presentation: For an elegant touch, segment the Cara Cara oranges (called ‘supremes’) removing all pith and membrane for a clean look. I often toast a small handful of pine nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes; it adds amazing depth and crunch to this easy, healthy dinner option. A sprinkle of fresh mint or basil can also brighten the aroma.
- Customization for different diets or flavor preferences: Add sliced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats. Incorporate grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a high-protein snack or meal. Experiment with a balsamic glaze instead of honey in the dressing for a different sweet-tangy profile.
- Allergy awareness and safe swaps: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative. Ensure any added nuts are safe for your diners.
Common Questions Answered
Is Cara Cara Orange Salad with Feta and Arugula good for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare the Cara Cara oranges, slice the onion, and whisk the dressing ahead of time. Store components separately in airtight containers and combine just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the arugula from wilting. I always make sure to keep the dressing separate until the last minute; it makes all the difference in keeping the arugula bright and crisp.
What are healthy substitutes for feta cheese in this Cara Cara Orange Salad?
Consider crumbled goat cheese for a creamier, milder tang if you prefer. For a dairy-free option, use fresh avocado slices or a sprinkle of toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for texture and a nutty crunch in this vibrant Cara Cara Orange Salad.
Can I order Cara Cara Orange Salad ingredients online?
Absolutely! Most online grocery delivery services offer Cara Cara oranges (seasonally), fresh arugula, feta cheese, and all other necessary pantry staples. This makes assembling your Cara Cara Orange Salad incredibly convenient for busy schedules.
How long does Cara Cara Orange Salad with Feta and Arugula last in the fridge?
For optimal freshness and texture, this Cara Cara Orange Salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembly. If stored separately (dressing, oranges, arugula), the components can last 1-2 days. Once assembled, aim to eat within a day for the best experience.
Can I use other types of oranges for this Cara Cara Orange Salad?
While Cara Cara oranges offer a unique sweetness and lower acidity, you can certainly use navel oranges or blood oranges. You may need to adjust the honey in the dressing if using tarter varieties to balance the flavors in your Cara Cara Orange Salad.
Is Cara Cara Orange Salad with Feta and Arugula suitable for a crowd?
Definitely! This Cara Cara Orange Salad with Feta and Arugula scales up beautifully. Simply multiply the ingredients, prepare components ahead, and assemble on a large platter or in a big bowl just before your event for an impressive and easy side dish. It’s a wonderful choice for family dinners and gatherings.
Conclusion
This Cara Cara Orange Salad with Feta and Arugula is a true kitchen win – delivering vibrant flavor, beautiful presentation, and easy prep in one fantastic dish. Try this refreshing Cara Cara Orange Salad tonight and bring a burst of sunshine to your dinner table! Don’t forget to save this recipe for future easy meals and healthy eating ideas.
Cara Cara Orange Salad with Feta and Arugula
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The sweet, low-acid burst of Cara Cara oranges pairs beautifully with the peppery bite of arugula and the creamy tang of feta. This vibrant, quick, and fresh Cara Cara Orange Salad is a delightful and wholesome meal for busy weeknights or a show-stopping side.
Ingredients
- 3–4 Cara Cara oranges (340-450g), peeled and segmented
- 5 oz (140g) fresh arugula (or baby spinach if you prefer a milder taste)
- 4 oz (115g) feta cheese, crumbled (or crumbled goat cheese if that’s in your fridge)
- 0.25 small red onion (60g), very thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup (60ml) good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp (5ml) honey
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.125 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep Oranges: Carefully peel 3-4 Cara Cara oranges, ensuring all white pith is removed. Slice them into beautiful rounds or segments, noting their vibrant pinkish-orange hue.
- Slice Onion: Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, thinly slice 0.25 small red onion. Aim for translucent, delicate rings that offer a mild, fresh crunch.
- Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 0.25 cup (60ml) olive oil, 2 Tbsp (30ml) white wine vinegar, 1 tsp (5ml) honey, 0.25 tsp salt, and 0.125 tsp black pepper until slightly emulsified and thickened.
- Assemble Salad: In a large serving bowl, gently combine 5 oz (140g) fresh arugula, the prepared Cara Cara orange slices, and thinly sliced red onion. The colors should look appealing and fresh.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat until the leaves shimmer. Finish by crumbling 4 oz (115g) feta cheese evenly over the top. Serve your Cara Cara Orange Salad immediately while crisp.
Notes
For quick meal, use pre-washed arugula and rough chop oranges instead of segmenting. If arugula seems too bitter, try soaking it in cold water for 10 minutes before drying thoroughly to mellow the flavor. If oranges are difficult to peel, score the skin with a knife before peeling. For dietary needs, omit feta for a plant-based option or add grilled chicken for a high-protein meal.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (100 g)
- Calories: 280 calories
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg