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    Citrus & Cilantro Salad with Smoked Paprika Orange Dressing

    clock-icon120 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring juicy oranges, mellowed red onions, and fresh cilantro, drizzled with a smoky paprika orange vinaigrette.

    Ingredients for Citrus & Cilantro Salad with Smoked Paprika Orange Dressing

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    serves
    6 peoplechevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron

    Red Onion, sliced paper-thin

    each

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    Orange, juicy

    each

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    Fresh Orange–Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette

    cups

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    Fresh Cilantro, coarsely chopped or whole leaves

    tablespoons

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    How to Make Citrus & Cilantro Salad with Smoked Paprika Orange Dressing

    1. Soak Red Onion

    Soak the paper-thin slices of red onion in ice water for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time. This step helps mellow out the pungent flavor of the onion.

    2. Prepare Oranges

    Using a sharp knife, cut off both ends of each orange. Carefully slice away the peel and all the white pith. Slice the oranges into rounds.

    3. Toss Orange Slices with Vinaigrette

    In a wide, shallow bowl, gently toss the orange slices with the Fresh Orange–Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette.

    4. Arrange Salad

    Arrange the dressed orange slices on a serving plate, overlapping them slightly. Drain the soaked onions and pat them dry. Scatter the onion slices over the oranges, then sprinkle with coarsely chopped fresh cilantro or whole cilantro leaves.

    5. Refrigerate and Serve

    For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for up to 4 hours. Take it out at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to come to life.

    Variations

    Protein-Packed Salad

    . Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost. . Swap out cilantro for another complementary herb like parsley or mint. . Incorporate a grain like quinoa or farro for added substance.

    Blood Orange & Tangelo

    Incorporate blood oranges and tangelos for a deeper flavor and color contrast. Segmenting the fruit will add a beautiful visual appeal.

    Protein Additions

    To make the salad more filling, add grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu that's been marinated to match the dressing's flavor profile.

    Lemon & Thyme Dressing

    Replace the orange juice with lemon juice and the smoked paprika with fresh thyme. Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.

    Mediterranean Twist

    . Replace cilantro with basil and add sliced olives and cherry tomatoes. . Introduce feta cheese for a tangy element. . Consider a lemon-oregano dressing with a touch of smoked paprika to maintain the smoky element.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Balanced Dressing

    Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor and a high-quality smoked paprika for that essential smokiness. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, with a touch of honey or agave to balance the acidity if required.

    Selection of Citrus

    Choose a variety of citrus fruits for a range of flavors and colors. Blood oranges, navel oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines are all excellent choices. Look for firm, heavy fruits that indicate juiciness, and ensure they are at the peak of ripeness for the best flavor.

    Dressing the Salad

    Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the greens and herbs from wilting, but let the dressing sit for a bit after mixing to allow the flavors to meld.

    Segmenting the Citrus

    To create elegant citrus segments without the bitter pith, use a sharp knife to cut away the peel and white pith, then carefully slice between the membranes to release the segments. This technique, called supreming, will ensure your salad has a professional look and a pleasant texture.

    Seasoning Layers

    Season the citrus segments lightly with salt before adding them to the salad to enhance the fruit's natural sweetness and flavors.


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