Vibrance on a Plate: The Ultimate Florida Citrus Salad with Burrata
There is a brief, glorious window each year when Florida’s citrus groves reach their peak, offering a kaleidoscope of sweetness that demands center stage. In this recipe, we’ve taken that seasonal bounty and paired it with the undisputed queen of creaminess: Burrata. The result is a dish that is as visually stunning as it is palate-cleansing—a true Content Spots signature that balances high-acid brightness with rich, velvety indulgence.
This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a study in contrast. The cold, jewel-toned segments of Florida Grapefruit and oranges provide a sharp counterpoint to the milky, mild center of the burrata. Finished with a drizzle of floral olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt, it’s a masterclass in how five or six high-quality ingredients can create a world-class culinary experience.
Why This Recipe Works
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The Texture Play: The snap of the citrus membranes against the flowing cream of the cheese creates a sensory experience that feels incredibly gourmet.
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Effortless Elegance: With zero cooking required, this is the perfect “hero dish” for entertainers who want maximum impact with minimal kitchen time.
Florida Citrus Salad with Burrata
Recipe courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus
Florida Citrus Vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup Florida Grapefruit Juice
- 1/3 cup Florida Orange Juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons shallots
- sea salt, to taste
- fresh pepper, to taste
Pickled Onion:
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup white vinegar or cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Burrata Salad:
- 4 Florida Grapefruit, peeled and cut into segments
- 3 oranges, peeled and cut into segments
- 1 bunch radishes, sliced thin and cut into sticks
- 1/3 cup pistachios, grilled and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup arugula
- 2 tablespoons dill, chopped
- sea salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces burrata
- To make vinaigrette: In small bowl, mix Florida Grapefruit Juice, Florida Orange Juice, orange zest, cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, olive oil and shallots until dressing is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside. Vinaigrette will keep 7 days in refrigerator.
- To make pickled onion: Place sliced onion in airtight canning jar.
- In small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar and salt. Bring to boil and pour over sliced onion in jar. Add small amount of water to completely cover onion.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Pickled onions will keep 15 days in refrigerator. - To make burrata salad: In bowl, combine Florida Grapefruit and Orange segments; add radish sticks, toasted pistachios, arugula and dill. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place salad on large plate, top with coarsely chopped burrata and drizzle generously with citrus vinaigrette and pickled onion.
💡 Want to plate like a pro? Check out our Mastering Florida Citrus Guide to learn the secret to the perfect “supreme” and how to get 20% more juice from every grapefruit.
Pro-Tips for the Perfect Plating
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Drain the Cheese: Burrata is often packed in water. Pat the exterior dry before placing it on the plate to prevent a “watery” salad.
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Layer Your Flavors: Don’t just toss it in a bowl. Arrange the citrus in a sunburst pattern around the cheese to showcase the vibrant colors of the Florida citrus segments.
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The Finishing Touch: Use a high-quality finishing oil. A peppery Sicilian olive oil or even a light honey drizzle can elevate the citrus and cheese salad to restaurant levels.
Pro-Tips for “Salad Masters”
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The “Supreme” Technique: For a professional look, “supreme” your citrus (cutting segments out of the membrane). It removes the bitter pith and makes the salad feel high-end.
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Temperature Contrast: Serve the citrus chilled but the Burrata at room temperature. This allows the creamy center to flow properly once broken.
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The Crunch Factor: Always add a texture element like toasted pistachios or fennel seeds to contrast the soft cheese and juicy fruit.
