Optimism {and a winter citrus salad}

After a completely unsuccessful farmer's market trip Saturday, a little help from the south keeps me on the sunny side of life with a delicious winter citrus salad.

 

Click the photo to view it on Flickr with notes.

Optimistically, I appeared at the Old Town Alexandria Farmer's Market in Saturday morning's 13 degree weather. The flower guy, one of three vendors at market, took pity on me while I shivered waiting for a friend and advised me where to stand to absorb maximum heat from the sunlight. 

Really. It was that bad.

His advice paid off when Kate showed up and bought several bunches of flowers from him. Of course, she had to climb into his truck to make her purchase because the flowers would have frozen if they had been displayed outside.

As for myself, I had been planning to buy some Greek yogurt, apples, and honey. I struck out, 100%. And I can't blame the dairy, farmer, and beekeeper for their absence. It's cold, windy, and I doubt there are a lot of people waking up early aching to shop outdoors for local produce.

So, I had to find something else seasonal, though perhaps not so local. Luckily, this was not at all difficult.

You see, I am completely smitten with citrus right now. 

Perhaps my favorite, based on looks alone, is the Blood Orange. Must I explain the name? 

Juicy, tart, red flesh which I find completely irresistible.

The Pink Navel Orange provides more eye candy. As advertised, "pink is the new orange."

Although, it's more or less salmon. No?

Last but not least, based on taste alone, my favorite is the Temple Orange. I'm positive it's called the Temple Orange because one bite makes a believer out of you. I, for one, can testify that it's the sweetest citrus fruit I have ever tasted.

With all these new loves in mind, I dragged my husband to Whole Foods last night where I bought a bag of every available citrus. He would have been miserable, but he occupied himself with selecting several bottles of good reduced price wine.

When we got home, I put together something John refers to as a "citrus orgy." I prefer the more sophisticated "winter citrus salad."

Winter Citrus Salad  Print Friendly Version 

Serves 2

• 1/2 Cup assorted citrus fruits, peeled and sectioned off*
• 1 avocado, sliced 
• 1 lime, juiced 
• 1 lemon, juiced (if available, try the sweet tasting Meyer lemon) 
• olive oil, about 2 TB (+ more for drizzling)
• 1 Cup of mixed greens
• salt and pepper, to taste 

* I used three orange varieties, a Honeybell tangerine, and a pink grapefruit. Basically, the more variety, the better.

 
Make the Vinaigrette:

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper. 

Assemble the Salad:

Divide the lettuce between two bowls. Place half of the avocado slices on each salad. Top off with mixed citrus fruits. Drizzle with the vinaigrette, then add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, drizzle with additional olive oil.

Variations:

* Add one minced garlic clove to the vinaigrette.

* Add thinly sliced red onions to the salad.

* Garnish with cilantro or mint.

After shopping indoors, purchasing fruit from a much warmer place, and eating this delicious salad, I can safely say I am feeling more optimistic- sunny, even- about winter. 

Don't worry, I'll be back to the farmer's market again next weekend.

For more winter citrus inspiration:

The Romance of the Orange: A History of the Temple Orange

(whereas I learn that the Temple Orange is named for William Chase Temple, not any sort of religious experience)

Flaky Blood Orange Tart at Smitten Kitchen

Citrus Salad with Mint Sugar at Epicurious