Green Salad with Orange Ginger Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and refreshing – A perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and zesty ginger.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
• Healthy and nutritious – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Great for any occasion – A wonderful side dish for festive meals or everyday dining.
• Customizable – Add nuts, cheese, or protein for a heartier salad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salad:

• Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
• Orange slices (or mandarin segments)
• Cucumber, thinly sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Carrots, julienned
• Avocado, diced (optional)
• Slivered almonds or walnuts (optional)
• Feta or goat cheese (optional)

Orange Ginger Dressing:

• Fresh orange juice
• Olive oil
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Honey or maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Make the dressing – In a small bowl or jar, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, grated ginger, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Prepare the salad – In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, orange slices, cucumber, red onion, and carrots.
3. Dress the salad – Drizzle the orange ginger dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
4. Add toppings – Sprinkle with avocado, nuts, or cheese if using.
5. Serve immediately – Enjoy as a fresh side dish or add protein for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Protein Boost – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier salad.
• Crunchy Twist – Toss in toasted sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas.
• Creamy Dressing – Blend in Greek yogurt for a creamier version of the dressing.
• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Berry Addition – Add fresh strawberries or pomegranate seeds for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Dressing: Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Shake before using.
• Make Ahead: Prep ingredients separately and combine before serving for freshness.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled juice works if needed.

How do I make this salad more filling?

Add quinoa, chickpeas, or a protein like grilled chicken.

What’s the best way to keep avocado from browning?

Toss it in a little lemon or orange juice before adding it to the salad.

Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes! White wine vinegar or rice vinegar also work well.

Is this dressing good for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I use a different oil?

Avocado oil or grapeseed oil are great alternatives to olive oil.

What type of greens work best?

A mix of spinach, arugula, and romaine gives the best balance of flavors and textures.

Can I make the dressing without honey?

Yes! Maple syrup is a great alternative for a vegan option.

How do I make the dressing smoother?

Blend it in a food processor for an ultra-smooth consistency.

What other citrus can I use?

Lemon or grapefruit juice can replace orange for a tangier dressing.

Conclusion

This green salad with orange ginger dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. With a mix of crisp greens, juicy oranges, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a light yet satisfying option. Whether served as a side or topped with protein for a full meal, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Try it today for a fresh burst of flavor!

Green Salad with Orange Ginger Dressing

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This Green Salad with Orange Ginger Dressing is light, refreshing, and bursting with citrusy sweetness and a hint of zesty ginger. Made with crisp greens, juicy orange slices, and a tangy homemade dressing, this salad is perfect as a healthy side dish or a main course with added protein. Easy to make in just 10 minutes, it pairs well with hearty meals or light seafood dishes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 10min
• Total Time: 10min
• Yield: 4servings
• Category: Salad, Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Healthy, Irish-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
• 1 orange, peeled and sliced (or mandarin segments)
• ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 avocado, diced (optional)
• ¼ cup slivered almonds or walnuts (optional)
• ¼ cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Orange Ginger Dressing:

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

• Make the Dressing – In a small bowl or jar, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, grated ginger, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Prepare the Salad – In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, orange slices, cucumber, red onion, and carrots.
• Dress the Salad – Drizzle the orange ginger dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
• Add Toppings – Sprinkle with avocado, nuts, or cheese if using.
• Serve Immediately – Enjoy as a fresh side dish or add protein for a complete meal.

Notes

• For extra crunch, add toasted sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas.
• To keep avocado from browning, toss it in lemon or orange juice before adding.
• For a creamier dressing, blend in Greek yogurt.
• To add spice, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes.