| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 345 | 28g | 4g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 3g | 3g | 0.2g |
I can’t tell you how much I adore making this Celtuce Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette. This salad is not only refreshing and beautiful to look at with its vibrant colors; it also gives my taste buds a delightful combination of flavors that they do not typically get to experience.
A Southern Twist on African Cuisine
Originating from Atlanta with roots in Nigerian culture, I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with ingredients and fusing flavors in unique ways. After all, that’s how food evolution happens, right? This beautiful Celtuce Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette recipe demonstrates just that – the marriage of Southern flavors with refreshing citrus from my West African heritage.
Bringing About Health With Flavor
But it’s not just the taste that has me hooked. The health benefits accompanying this salad are just as inviting. Berries are rich in antioxidants that contribute to your overall health, and the citrus fruits used in the vinaigrette add a potent vitamin C punch. The olive oil offers heart-healthy fats, while the honey provides a touch of natural sweetness. Paired together, they create a wonderful symphony of nutrients for your body.
While this salad is a delightful dish in and of itself, it can be served alongside other meals for a complete dining experience. The citrus and mint flavors complement seafood beautifully. You can try pairing it with dishes like Grilled Shrimp or Salmon with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze for an appealing balance of sweet, sour, and salty.
Though the celtuce in this recipe might not be a common ingredient found in most kitchens, its unique taste, somewhere between a cucumber and a celery, brings a delightful crunch that compliments the vinaigrette beautifully. But don’t let its unfamiliarity stop you—you can easily find celtuce online or in your local Asian supermarket. Trust me—it’s worth the adventure!
At the end of the day, what I love most about this recipe is how it reflects who I am—a blend of practical and exotic, familiar and new, comfort and exploration. Each bite is a piece of the world, a piece of myself, and a piece of love I want to share with you.
What You’ll Need
- 3 heads of celtuce
- 1 cup of orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/3 cup of lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups of mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves
Method
Step One
Begin by washing your 3 heads of celtuce. Once they are thoroughly cleaned, peel off the outer layer and thinly slice them. Set these aside for later use.
Step Two
Now, it’s time to create your citrus vinaigrette. In a medium-sized bowl, combine your freshly squeezed 1 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 1/3 cup of lime juice. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well blended.
Step Three
Continuing with your vinaigrette, gradually drizzle in your 1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk. Do this until the mixture is fully combined and emulsified.
Step Four
Add your 2 tablespoons of honey and your teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the vinaigrette. Whisk these ingredients into the mixture until they’re fully incorporated.
Step Five
Season your vinaigrette with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more later, but you can’t take it out, so start with a little and taste as you go.
Step Six
In a large salad bowl, combine your thinly sliced celtuce with your 2 cups of mixed berries and 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves. Toss this mix to combine all the ingredients.
Step Seven
Finally, drizzle your citrus vinaigrette over your salad. Toss the salad until everything is evenly coated with the vinaigrette. Serve your celtuce salad with citrus vinaigrette immediately for the best taste and presentation. Enjoy!
