Danish Grilled Winter Citrus Salad with Honey & Nuts
Introduction
This Danish-inspired grilled winter citrus salad is the perfect combination of warm, caramelized citrus, crunchy nuts, and rich honey. Using the Arteflame grill, the flat cooktop's even heat ensures the citrus slices caramelize beautifully without burning, bringing out their natural sweetness. This refreshing and vibrant dish is a fantastic balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 oranges, sliced into rounds
- 1 grapefruit, sliced into rounds
- 1 blood orange, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans), roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
- Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
- Wait about 20 minutes for the grill to reach cooking temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the citrus
- Slice the oranges, grapefruit, and blood orange into even rounds, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to help them caramelize better.
Step 3: Grill the citrus
- Butter the Arteflame flat cooktop where you will place the citrus.
- Lay the citrus slices on the cooktop, positioning them near the hotter center for a deep caramelization.
- Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until slightly charred and caramelized.
Step 4: Toast the nuts
- Move the citrus slices to a cooler zone on the grill.
- Add the chopped nuts to the flat cooktop with a little butter.
- Stir occasionally and toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the salad
- Arrange the grilled citrus slices on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the toasted nuts over the citrus.
- Drizzle honey over the top.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Tips
- Ensure the citrus slices are evenly cut for consistent grilling.
- Use high-quality honey for the best flavor.
- Avoid over-toasting the nuts; they can burn quickly.
- Move grilled citrus to a cooler section of the Arteflame if they are charring too fast.
Variations
-
Spiced Version: Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the citrus before grilling for a warm, spiced flavor.
-
Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary sprigs while grilling for an aromatic touch.
-
Cheese Topped: Crumble feta or goat cheese over the salad before serving for a creamy contrast.
-
Citrus & Pomegranate: Add fresh pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of sweetness and color.
-
Smoked Honey: Use smoked honey instead of regular honey for a deep, smoky flavor that complements the caramelized citrus.
Conclusion
This Danish-style grilled winter citrus salad is a celebration of seasonal flavors, caramelized to perfection on the Arteflame grill. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light appetizer, the combination of warm citrus, toasted nuts, and honey is sure to impress. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this dish as you explore more ways to grill on your Arteflame.
Best Pairings
- Grilled lamb chops with fresh herbs
- A crisp, dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc
- Warm, crusty Danish rye bread
- Vanilla-infused whipped ricotta