Orange Vinaigrette Ribbon Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Twist

Crisp vegetables dance elegantly in this vibrant ribbon salad with orange vinaigrette that promises a burst of fresh flavors.

Slender strips of colorful vegetables create a stunning visual feast on the plate.

Each delicate ribbon captures the essence of seasonal produce with remarkable grace.

The bright orange vinaigrette adds a zesty punch that cuts through the vegetables’ natural crispness.

Layers of thinly sliced zucchini, carrots, and cucumber intertwine in a beautiful culinary composition.

This light and refreshing salad brings a touch of restaurant-quality elegance to your dining table.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a stunning dish that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully accessible.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 5

Fresh Ingredients For Ribbon Salad With Orange Vinaigrette

• Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that adds vibrant orange color and crisp texture to the salad.
• Zucchini: Delicate green vegetable with mild flavor that creates elegant ribbon shapes.
• Yellow Squash: Tender summer vegetable that provides subtle sweetness and soft texture.
• Cucumber: Refreshing vegetable that brings cool, crisp element to the salad ribbons.

• Orange Juice: Bright citrus liquid that creates tangy and sweet flavor profile.
• Orange Zest: Fragrant citrus peel that intensifies orange flavor with natural oils.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that helps blend and emulsify dressing ingredients.
• White Vinegar: Sharp ingredient that adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that softens vinegar's acidity and provides smooth consistency.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances and harmonizes all dressing flavors.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that adds subtle heat and complexity to the vinaigrette.

• Fresh Herbs: Aromatic green ingredients that provide burst of freshness and color.
• Cheese: Optional creamy element that adds richness and depth to the salad.
• Nuts: Crunchy topping that introduces textural contrast and nutty undertones.

Tools To Slice Ribbon Salad Easily

• Vegetable Peeler or Mandoline: Essential for creating those beautiful, thin ribbons from carrots, zucchini, squash, and cucumber.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing and combining the vegetable ribbons.
• Small Bowl or Jar: Ideal for whisking together the vibrant orange vinaigrette.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Handy for chopping herbs and any optional toppings.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.

Steps To Make Ribbon Salad With Zing

• Create Veggie Ribbons

Grab your peeler and glide it along carrots, zucchini, squash, and cucumber to transform them into delicate, silky strips. Drop these beautiful ribbons into a spacious mixing bowl.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a compact container, blend fresh orange juice and its vibrant zest with smooth olive oil, tangy vinegar, golden honey, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture becomes a harmonious, gleaming liquid.

• Dress and Toss

Cascade the citrusy vinaigrette over your veggie ribbons, gently folding and turning to ensure every strand gets a luxurious coating of flavor.

• Garnish and Enjoy

Shower your salad with chopped fresh herbs, crumbled cheese, and crunchy nuts. Serve immediately for a crisp, refreshing experience or let it chill for a few minutes to let the flavors mingle and dance.

Tips For Bright Orange Vinaigrette Flavor

• Ribbon Technique Master: Use a sharp vegetable peeler or mandoline for ultra-thin, uniform veggie ribbons. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even dressing absorption and elegant presentation.
• Dressing Depth Boost: Experiment with different citrus juices like grapefruit or lime to create unique flavor profiles. Add minced garlic or shallots for extra zesty complexity.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this light salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These protein options will make the dish more filling and nutritionally balanced.
• Dietary Flexibility: For gluten-free needs, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Vegan options include replacing honey with maple syrup and using nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare veggie ribbons and dressing separately, storing them in airtight containers. Combine just before serving to maintain crisp texture and prevent soggy vegetables.

Ways To Serve Ribbon Salad Light And Fresh

• Fresh Garden Party Platter: Create a stunning presentation by arranging ribbon salad on a large wooden board with additional fresh herbs scattered around, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the salad with grilled chicken strips, seared salmon, or crispy tofu cubes to transform this light side dish into a complete and satisfying main course meal.
• Chilled Mediterranean Appetizer: Serve the ribbon salad in small elegant glasses or mason jars as a refreshing starter, garnished with a delicate sprinkle of feta cheese and toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Summer Picnic Companion: Pack the salad in sealed containers for outdoor meals, keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the crisp vegetable ribbons' beautiful texture and prevent sogginess.

Store Ribbon Salad With Vinaigrette Well

• Quick Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate salad for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and provide a refreshing temperature.
• Smart Portioning: Divide salad into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or meal prep, keeping dressing separate to maintain ribbon vegetable crispness.
• Freshness Extension: Store vegetable ribbons and dressing separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator, consuming within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Temperature Management: Keep salad chilled at or below 40°F when serving at outdoor events or picnics to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety standards.

Vibrant Ribbon Salad With Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ribbon salad with orange vinaigrette offers a refreshing twist on classic salad preparation. Crisp vegetables and zesty citrus dressing create elegant layers perfect for enjoying alongside grilled meats or as a light summer side dish.

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Ingredients

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• 0.25 cup fresh mint or basil, chopped
• 0.25 cup feta cheese or Parmesan, crumbled or shaved
• 2 medium carrots, peeled into ribbons
• 1 medium zucchini, shaved into ribbons
• 1 yellow squash, shaved into ribbons
• 0.5 cucumber, peeled into ribbons
• 0.25 red onion, thinly sliced
• toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
• 0.25 cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) orange zest
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) white wine or champagne vinegar
• 1 tsp (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz) honey or maple syrup
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Craft delicate vegetable ribbons using a sharp peeler or mandoline, transforming carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, and cucumber into translucent, elegant strips.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk together orange juice, zest, olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a jar until the mixture emulsifies into a glossy vinaigrette.
3. Composition: Transfer vegetable ribbons to a mixing bowl, drizzle with citrus dressing, and gently fold to ensure even coating without compromising the delicate texture.
4. Finishing Touches: Garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts to elevate the salad’s flavor profile and visual appeal.
5. Serving: Chill for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately for a crisp, refreshing experience that showcases the vibrant ingredients.

Notes

• Slice Vegetables Carefully: Use a sharp vegetable peeler or mandoline with caution to create uniform, thin ribbons without tearing the delicate vegetable strips.
• Balance Vinaigrette Flavors: Adjust the orange vinaigrette’s sweetness and acidity by tasting and incrementally adding honey or vinegar to achieve a perfectly balanced dressing.
• Prevent Ribbon Wilting: Chill vegetables before slicing and dress the salad just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent vegetable ribbons from becoming soggy.
• Customize Herb Combinations: Experiment with fresh herb mixtures like mint, basil, or parsley to add unexpected depth and personalize the salad’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg