Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that’s as pretty as it is tasty, I can’t wait to share this Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe with you. It’s a delightful mix of crisp greens, juicy fruit, and creamy feta cheese, all dressed in a light citrus vinaigrette. The colors really pop—bright orange, crisp green, and creamy white—that’s why it’s called the Irish Flag Salad. Whether you want a quick weekday lunch or a stunning side for your dinner, this salad never disappoints.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe shines because of the harmony between fresh greens, juicy fruit, crunchy nuts, and tangy cheese. Picking ripe pears and sweet oranges really elevates the flavor here, so don’t underestimate the produce aisle.

• Oranges: Choose sweet, juicy oranges like navel or blood oranges for vibrant color and flavor. Supreming them is my favorite trick for no mess and perfect slices.
• Pear: Go for a firm pear like Anjou or Bosc; thin slices hold up well and add a subtle sweetness.
• Feta Cheese: Adds a salty tanginess that balances the fruit — I like using crumbly, good-quality feta for texture.
• Pistachios: Roasted and chopped for crunch and a nutty depth — freshly roasted makes a noticeable difference!
• Fresh Basil: Chopped basil leaves bring a peppery herb note that lifts the salad beautifully.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works wonderfully here, but you can swap in butter leaf lettuce if you prefer something tender and mild.
• Olive Oil: Use a good fruity extra virgin olive oil for your dressing to keep things light and fresh.
• Orange Juice: Adds more citrus brightness — fresh squeezed if possible.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar and citrus.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives a subtle acidity to brighten the flavors without overpowering.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a refreshing zing and keeps the dressing lively.
• Salt: Just a pinch to bring all the flavors together.

Variations

I love making this Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe my own depending on the season or who I’m serving it to. Feel free to swap out or add ingredients so it suits your tastes perfectly.

• Greens Swap: When I want a softer bite, I substitute spinach with butter leaf lettuce, which gives a subtle buttery flavor and curlier texture.
• Nut Alternatives: If pistachios aren’t your thing, toasted walnuts or sliced almonds are equally delicious and crunchy.
• Cheese Variations: For a creamier twist, sometimes I add crumbled goat cheese instead of feta for a milder tang.
• Added Protein: To make it a fuller meal, grilled chicken or cooked shrimp tossed in works wonderfully.
• Seasonal Flair: In fall, I swap oranges for thin apple slices and add a sprinkle of cinnamon into the vinaigrette for warmth.

How to Make Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Greens

I always start by washing and drying the spinach really well. If you’re like me and can find baby spinach without the stems, great; if not, just strip out the thicker stems so you avoid that unwanted bite. Spread the greens evenly in a large bowl or on a big serving plate — this will be your delicious base.

Step 2: Slicing the Pears and Oranges

Peeling and slicing the pears thinly helps them blend harmoniously with the other textures. For the oranges, I recommend supreming them—that means peeling away all pith and membrane so you get just the jewel-like segments. If that’s too fussy, nice thick slices work too. Arrange the pear and orange slices side by side on top of your greens to showcase that beautiful Irish flag pattern.

Step 3: Adding Feta, Nuts, and Basil

Scatter the crumbled feta evenly over the salad—its salty creaminess balances the sweetness of the fruit perfectly. Then sprinkle the roasted, chopped pistachios on top for that lovely crunch. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh basil; it adds a fragrant, peppery note that really wakes up the flavors.

Step 4: Whisking and Drizzling the Dressing

Make the dressing by whisking olive oil, fresh orange juice, lime juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar together with a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the balance—this dressing is light, tangy, and slightly sweet, which brightens and ties all the salad components together wonderfully. Drizzle it evenly over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How to Serve Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this salad, I like to sprinkle a few whole pistachios and a basil leaf here and there on top for that Instagram-worthy look. Sometimes, a few extra slivers of pear or orange skin zest add a lovely aromatic pop. It makes the salad feel extra special without any fuss.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light entrees like grilled salmon or roasted chicken. I also love serving it with a crusty loaf of bread and a mild gouda cheese for a simple yet satisfying meal. For a complete spread, add a bowl of hearty Irish stew and you’ve got a fantastic meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For St. Patrick’s Day or any Irish-themed gathering, I’ve layered this salad in separate rows on a long platter to mimic the flag colors literally. Another time, I used ring molds to stack the layers, which looked elegant and wowed my guests. You can’t go wrong with simple but thoughtful presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because of the fresh fruit and delicate greens, I usually eat this salad the same day I make it. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving to maintain crispness. Pears and oranges can get mushy after a day or so, so it’s best fresh.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t a great idea because fresh fruit and greens don’t thaw well. The texture will be off, and the vinaigrette won’t hold up. If you want to prep ahead, focus on making the dressing and chopping ingredients separately, then assemble when ready.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed fresh and cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you want leftovers for another meal, simply give them a gentle toss and eat at room temperature to bring out flavor without compromising the texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Irish Flag Salad with Oranges and Pears Recipe turns out every time. When I first made it, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could come together with such bright, fresh flavors and a gorgeous presentation. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to put together but impresses anyone you serve it to. If you want a salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and just a little special, I really encourage you to give this a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!

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