Citrus and Mixed Greens Salad

I have a whole list of recipes I want to try soon, although most of them are stuck in my head and may never see the light of day.  This one though, got a shortcut straight to the front of the line, courtesy of my sister.  She works at a hospital and they had a potluck the other day, she called me on her way home and was going on and on about this citrus salad her co-worker Alisha made and how light and refreshing it was.

After she had given me the rundown of all their yummy eats, and by the way, yes I was jealous. She proceeds to tell me, her and her co-workers have been reading my blog and that they are now fans and would love to come over here and eat.  After, I stopped giggling, I said, "Yes of course, I'd love that".  My sister's birthday is right around the corner, so I'm having a birthday party for her and her friends. 

I don't know what makes me happier, that someone actually reads my blog or that people want to eat my food! I can't wait, we are going to have so much fun and of course lots of yummy food.  I'm going to give you the recipe the way I got it, and I'll put my edits on the side.  I only edited, because I had to sub some stuff for what I had on hand.  It was so good; it really didn't need any improvements.

Citrus and Mixed Greens Salad

1 bag of mixed salad greens (I used an herb mixed greens from Trader Joe's)

1/2 cup red seedless grapes, halved 

1 - 11 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained

1 - 8 oz. container pineapple chunks, drained

1 - 8 oz. container grapefruit segments, drained

21 walnut halves, toasted (I used pecans, but the walnuts would have been good too)

Combine all the above in a big bowl.  Can make prior to needed and store in refrigerator.  Toss with dressing prior to serving.  I bought larger containers of fruit, so I'd have some leftover, since my daughter loves all these anyway; she's my fruit girl.

Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup canola oil

2 tbsp. champagne vinegar (I used an orange champagne vinegar)

1/8 tsp. salt

1 tsp. poppy seeds

Combine orange juice, honey, oil, vinegar and salt in blender, process until blended.  Add poppy seeds and pulse once.  Cover and refrigerate.

I just wanted to say a special Thank You to Alisha for passing this recipe along.  I think this recipe would be perfect not only for a potluck but any night of the week.  My non-salad loving husband ate this like there was no tomorrow, so I knew it was a keeper.  I loved this salad, not only because it was light and healthy, but also it was perfect to get rid of those winter blues.

Enjoy,

Gina