With the new season often comes a desire for some new meal ideas. As we wave bye-bye to winter and the filling foods that helped us get through it, it’s time to greet spring with some freshness. This delightful strawberry and orange salad with citrus syrup and fresh mint, inspired by Maria Hines Sinskey in Bon Appétit, is one of several lighter fare options from Jennifer Seagal at Once Upon a Chef.
Strawberry and Orange Salad
with Citrus Syrup and Fresh Mint
Servings: 4
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved (or quartered if very large)
- 3 oranges
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
- 2½ tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint, plus a sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Place the strawberries into a serving bowl.
- Cut a slice off the top and bottom of each orange so they sit flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, work your way around the fruits to remove all the skin and pith. Cupping the orange in one hand and working over the serving bowl, carefully cut the segments out from between the membranes. (Be sure to cut only until you reach the middle of the fruit!) Over a separate small bowl, firmly squeeze the remaining membranes to release all the orange juice.
- Add the lemon juice and brown sugar to the freshly squeezed orange juice and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Pour over the strawberries and orange segments and gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with fresh mint. Taste and add more lemon juice if necessary (the syrup should have a perfect balance of tart and sweet). Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to six hours. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and serve in shallow bowls with spoons.
