Description
Irish Salad, also known as Irish Flag Salad, is a vibrant and fresh salad featuring layers of spinach, pears, oranges, feta cheese, pistachios, and fresh basil. This colorful salad is dressed with a light citrus vinaigrette, inspired by the colors of the Irish flag, making it a healthy, refreshing, and visually appealing dish perfect for a light meal or side.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 5 cups spinach (optional to remove the stems)
- 2 oranges (cut into slices or supremes)
- 1 pear (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup pistachios (roasted and chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
Vinaigrette Dressing
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens: Begin by washing and optionally removing the stems from the fresh spinach. You may substitute with butter leaf lettuce if preferred.
- Prepare the Fruits and Nuts: Peel and slice the oranges into slices or supremes. Thinly slice the pear. Roast and chop the pistachios if not pre-roasted.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and salt until well combined to form a light citrus vinaigrette.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl or plate, layer the spinach first, then add slices of pear and orange evenly over the greens. Sprinkle the feta cheese evenly on top, followed by the chopped pistachios and fresh basil.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the layered salad just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- This salad is a fresh, healthy option that represents the Irish flag with its green spinach, white feta cheese, and orange slices.
- You can substitute spinach with butter leaf lettuce for a traditional Irish touch.
- The vinaigrette is citrus-forward but balanced with honey for a slight sweetness; adjust salt to taste.
- Serve immediately after dressing to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
- Roasting the pistachios enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 176 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 338 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
