Main dishes Recipes Salads Vegetarian Winter

Fresh Herb Salad with Kumquats and Pistachios

fresh herb salad recipe

Come-what? Kumquat!

Despite this tiny citrus fruit’s funny name, it’s unique flavor and sweet(ish) edible rind make them one of winter’s finest gems, and a fabulous addition to green salads.

kumquats recipes

I like to slice kumquats pretty thinly when adding them to salads, in order to remove any tiny seeds and because a little bite of kumquat pairs so nicely with other flavors.

Here I’ve combined sliced kumquats with Earthbound Farm’s Herb Salad blend –

kumquats

which is a combination of spring lettuces and tasty little fresh herbs –

kumquats

as well as pistachios (for a salty crunch) and avocados (for a rich, creamy texture).

kumquat recipes

Add a very simple orange vinaigrette and you have an easy – yet unique and impressive – winter salad.

Fresh Herb Salad with Kumquats and Pistachios
 
Prep time
Total time
 
Serves: Serves 2 as an entree, or 4 as a side salad
Ingredients
  • One 5 oz bag Earthbound Farm Herb Blend
  • 8-10 kumquats, washed and thinly sliced (remove any seeds you find)
  • 1 small avocado, cut into chunks
  • 3 Tbsp shelled salted pistachios
  • For the vinaigrette:
  • 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Pinch each salt & pepper
Instructions
  1. Place the greens in a salad bowl or on a large platter.
  2. Top with the kumquats, avocado and pistachios.
  3. Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl, then drizzle the dressing on the salad.
  4. Serve right away.
Notes
If you can't find the Herb Blend, use any baby greens you like, along with 2 Tbsp of one chopped fresh herb (parsley, dill, basil or mint).

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Soba Noodle Salad with Sesame Ginger Soy Dressing

Mango Avocado Salad with Creamy Salsa Dressing

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7 Comments

  • shelley
    January 10, 2014 at 9:25 pm

    Okay, possibly a “dumbest question ever” contestant: I’ve heard of kumquats, but I’ve never seen them in a grocery store. Judging by your pics, they look like tiny little lemons. Are they sold in a bag, or individually?

  • Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
    January 10, 2014 at 9:44 pm

    I need to find that herb blend asap! Nothing beats the flavor of mixed herbs!

  • Amelia Winslow
    January 11, 2014 at 10:02 am

    Not a dumb question. They’re unique for sure! They are the size of grape tomatoes, so very tiny, and the color of oranges. They have them at Trader Joe’s now in a pint container, next to the other citrus. They’re available a few months during the winter, probably Dec-Feb.

  • peaceloveandsmoothies
    March 12, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    Wow! That sounds delicious, and doesn’t have too many ingredients! I’ve been meaning to try recipes with kumquat.

  • Caroline Taylor
    May 7, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    I’ve not seen kumquats used in a savoury recipe like this before, sounds great.

  • Amelia Winslow
    May 7, 2014 at 4:16 pm

    Hope you like it, Caroline!

  • Sanjivini
    September 2, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    Thanks for sharing these amazing salads! I have a tendency to add everything but the kitchen sink into my salads…. šŸ˜‰

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