If you’re craving something light, bright, and utterly satisfying, you’re going to love this Refreshing Citrus Salad with Walnut Dressing Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for guests but is super simple to whip up anytime you need a fresh pick-me-up. Plus, the combo of juicy citrus and nutty, creamy walnut dressing? Total game-changer that will make your taste buds sing. Stick with me here—I’m going to share all the tips I’ve learned so you nail this salad every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vibrant Flavor Combo: The mix of sweet, tart citrus with a rich walnut dressing creates a refreshing balance you’ll keep coming back to.
Super Simple Prep: Even if you’re not a salad pro, this recipe breaks it down step-by-step so you feel confident.
Versatile and Fresh: Perfect as a side or light lunch, it adapts easily to whatever citrus fruits you have on hand.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dressing and prep come together quickly, letting you plan ahead without fuss.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a colorful salad made of three main layers: the bottom layer is fresh green arugula leaves; on top are many thin, round slices of different citrus fruits in bright orange, deep red, and pale yellow colors, layered evenly across the plate; scattered on the very top are thin, curved slices of light purple onion, adding a delicate texture and color contrast. Some chopped nuts appear in a clear bowl nearby, and a few onion slices and nut pieces are casually scattered around the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Refreshing Citrus Salad with Walnut Dressing, citrus salad, walnut dressing recipe, healthy citrus salad, easy fruit salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a role in building this salad’s bright, nutty personality. I’m a big fan of mixing different citrus fruits to highlight their unique flavors and colors, and the walnut dressing ties everything together perfectly.

Flat lay of five whole fresh citrus fruits including blood oranges, navel oranges, and grapefruit, a small bunch of vibrant green arugula leaves, thinly sliced rings of red onion arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright yellow lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth pale Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear amber honey, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, and a handful of whole walnuts scattered artfully, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Refreshing Citrus Salad with Walnut Dressing, citrus salad, walnut dressing recipe, healthy citrus salad, easy fruit salad

Citrus Fruit: Use a mix—blood oranges, navel oranges, and grapefruit add varied sweetness and a pop of color.
Arugula: Its peppery bite contrasts wonderfully with sweet citrus, making the salad more complex.
Red Onion: Thin slices add just the right hint of sharpness—don’t skip this if you like a little zing!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for bright acidity that livens the dressing.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds smooth texture and richness to the walnut dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Gives the dressing a gentle tang and hustle in flavor.
Honey: Balances out the citrus with a touch of natural sweetness; you can swap for maple syrup if you prefer.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
Walnuts: Toasted for crunch and a nutty depth that really makes the dressing stand out.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Refreshing Citrus Salad with Walnut Dressing Recipe is—feel free to tailor it to your mood or what’s fresh in season. Making it your own keeps it exciting and lets your creativity shine.

Variation: Swap arugula for spinach or mixed greens if you want a milder base—I find this especially great for folks who aren’t fans of peppery greens.
Variation: Add sliced avocado for a creamy touch that complements the walnuts beautifully.
Variation: For a vegan twist, replace honey with pure maple syrup and use agave-infused Dijon mustard.
Variation: Toss in pomegranate seeds or fresh mint leaves to brighten the salad even more during the holidays.

How to Make Refreshing Citrus Salad with Walnut Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Citrus Like a Pro

Start by cutting off the tops and bottoms of each citrus fruit so they sit steady on your board. This makes peeling easier. Then use a sharp knife to work down the sides, slicing off all the peel and white pith. Take your time here—the pith can get bitter, and you want just pure citrus flavor. Once peeled, slice the fruit into thin, quarter-inch rounds. This technique keeps your salad looking elegant and ensures every bite is juicy and tender.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Walnut Dressing

Mix your lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and pepper in a bowl until everything comes together in a smooth, creamy dressing. I like to taste as I go here—sometimes you want a bit more honey or lemon punch. The walnuts add such a lovely nuttiness, so don’t rush this step. If you can, toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan first; it makes all the difference in flavor.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve with Love

Lay a bed of arugula on your serving plate, then arrange the citrus slices on top. Drizzle the walnut dressing generously over the salad and sprinkle with those toasted walnut pieces for the crunch factor. The balance of textures—the crisp greens, juicy citrus, and crunchy nuts—makes this salad a real crowd-pleaser. Plus, it looks gorgeous on the plate, which always helps.

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Pro Tips for Making Refreshing Citrus Salad with Walnut Dressing Recipe

Peel Like a Pro: Use a very sharp knife to avoid ragged edges on your citrus—this way, the presentation stays beautiful and professional-looking.
Toast Walnuts First: I learned that toasting walnuts brings out their flavor so much more—don’t skip this step even if you’re in a hurry.
Dress Just Before Serving: To keep arugula crisp, add the dressing last minute instead of tossing too early.
Balance Sweet and Tart: Taste your dressing as you go; if your citrus is super tart, a bit more honey works wonders.

How to Serve Refreshing Citrus Salad with Walnut Dressing Recipe

Refreshing Citrus Salad with Walnut Dressing Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping this salad with a few extra toasted walnuts and sometimes a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and fresh aroma. If you’re feeling fancy, crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a creamy tang that pairs beautifully with the citrus.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light dinner. I also enjoy serving it alongside quinoa or couscous to round out a healthy, vibrant meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this salad in individual glass bowls so you can admire the colorful citrus layers. Another fun idea is to fill endive leaves with a small spoonful of the salad as bite-sized hors d’oeuvres—these always impress my guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), store the salad undressed in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the citrus and arugula fresh. Dress just before serving the next day to avoid sogginess. The walnut dressing can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because of its fresh ingredients, especially the citrus and greens. I recommend enjoying it fresh or within a day or two of prepping for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh, no-cook salad, there’s no reheating involved. Just keep it chilled and serve as is for that refreshing crunch and zing you’re craving.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts in this salad?

Absolutely! While walnuts add a unique richness, toasted pecans or almonds work nicely too. Just be sure to toast them for extra flavor and crunch.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prep the citrus slices up to a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. The dressing holds well for about 3 days. However, I recommend assembling and dressing the salad right before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.
Can this salad be made vegan?

Yes! Just swap the honey in the dressing for maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Is there a way to make this salad more filling?

Sure thing! Add protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some crumbled feta to make the salad heartier and more satisfying as a meal.

Final Thoughts

This Refreshing Citrus Salad with Walnut Dressing Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something quick yet special. Its fresh and vibrant flavors always brighten up my table and have even converted a few salad skeptics in my family. I hope that by sharing the tricks I’ve picked up, you’ll feel inspired to make this salad a regular part of your kitchen repertoire. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked just like I am!