Monday, February 8, 2010

Spinach,Shallot, and Orange Salad


Last week at the market they had these beautiful Cara cara Oranges.  There were some sliced for sampling, I sampled probably half an orange.  They were so sweet and juicy, so I bought a sack full of them. 

Cara caras are a pink flesh navel orange almost the color of a grapefruit.  They tend to have few seeds and are low in acid.  They are great just for eating or for using in salads, or desserts.

For lunch the other day I made this salad.  It is light, healthy, and delicious.  If you can't find Cara cara oranges, this salad will be great made with any variety of orange. 


Spinach, Shallot, and Orange Salad

For the salad:
4-5 cups of baby spinach
2 oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 shallot, thinly sliced

For the vinaigrette:
juice of an orange
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbs honey
1tsp salt
black pepper, just a little


In a jar with a lid combine the orange juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.  Put the lid on the jar and shake until they are well mixed.  Using a jar is the easiest way to mix a vinaigrette, especially if you are outside on a picnic.


In a serving bowl combine the spinach, shallot, and the orange slices.  Pour the vinaigrette over the top.  Toss and serve.


So simple and delicious.  This would also be great with a piece of grilled fish or chicken.  Enjoy!




22 comments:

  1. Oh the salad looks really healthy and yummy! Love the addition of the orange.
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  2. Yummers.............this looks so good, Im so trying it out on my friends;)

    you just need to come cook for me;)
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  3. I have never heard of these oranges. I wonder if we get them in MN? I'll have to look. The salad looks great.
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  4. I like very much oranges and your salad seems to be delicious...can i take a bit?!?!?!
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  5. Sook,
    It was really tastey. I need to eat this healthy everyday.

    Steven,
    Sure I'll come cook for you. Whats your address? What time do you want to eat? I'll be there.

    Micheal,
    I bet you can find them in an organic or gourmet market. They are in season now...but any old orange will do.

    Matteo,
    It was delicious...Sure, take a bite.
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  6. Interesting but when are you going to post your rib recipe?
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  7. i never heard of those oranges before they look like grapefruit

    nice work!
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  8. The colour of this orange is so beautiful, I have never seen a this kind of orange before, lucky you!
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  9. Nice simple salad, it will be great with some raw fennel that you love!
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  10. Julia,
    I'm guessing you like this one.

    Frank,
    You know no good bbq pit master shares his secret recipe...keep begging!

    Ann,
    I know they look just like little grapefruits...only they taste like a sweet orange

    Kenny,
    I'm suprised you can't get them there.

    3 hungry tummies,
    I do love fennel!
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  11. Hi Bob, I love orange salad, in Sicily it is eaten with salt, oil and vinegar.
    Ciao.
    Mari.
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  12. Never saw cara cara here .... are they also called blood oranges?
    The salad looks extremely refreshing and wonderful for any salad fans.
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  13. It does look lite and super tasty.
    I've never heard of these oranges. I will have to look for them at the Farmer's Market this weekend.
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  14. No they are different from blood oranges...much lighter in color...I didn't know they were so rare.

    Bob,
    It was delicious...I bet you can get them at Whole Foods in Atlanta.
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  15. It seems Cara cara Oranges would be a luxury anytime. Did you compliment your salad with red or white wine? It was so simple and looks delicious that adding smoked salmon might be a considered.
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  16. TMS KNS,
    Actually no wine just water...smoked salmon sounds great.
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  17. hi bo this is not exatly the moment for a such a salad as here in Paris this is freezing to death but nice idea for sunnier days !!!
    Pierre from France
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  18. The salad looks so healthy and so yummy! I want some right now since I am trying to be a vegetarian!
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  19. Maribio,
    That sounds delicious.

    Pierre,
    We are still having some cold days here, but it is starting to warm up.

    Dining room table,
    Good luck on becoming a vegetarian. I will try to post meat free dishes often so keep checking back.
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  20. Okay now your killing me...I love banana, love citrus, but I have neither...

    Nice pics, the coloring is really nice!
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