Citrus Glow Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella, Avocado & Pistachio Quinoa

A fresh, beautiful salad from Natalie’s kitchen — tender red butter lettuce, juicy tangerine, creamy buffalo mozzarella, cool cucumber, avocado, delicate prosciutto, and fluffy quinoa tossed with pistachios, all finished with broccoli micro greens and a bright champagne-orange dressing.

This is the kind of salad I love when I want something that feels light, feminine, and deeply nourishing — but still a little special.

Fresh. Creamy. Citrusy. Crisp.

A little salty from the prosciutto, a little sweet from the tangerine, a little richness from the avocado and mozzarella, and just enough texture from the pistachio quinoa to make it feel satisfying.

It’s simple enough for lunch at home, beautiful enough to serve to a friend, and exactly the kind of glow meal that makes healthy eating feel abundant, colorful, and joyful.

Every bite feels fresh and balanced without being heavy.

And the best part?

It comes together easily, with ingredients that feel elevated but effortless.

Why We Love It

Red Butter Lettuce

Soft, delicate, and mineral-rich, red butter lettuce gives this salad a tender, beautiful base without overpowering the other flavors.

Tangerine + Orange

Bright citrus brings natural sweetness, vitamin C, and that fresh, juicy lift that makes the whole salad feel alive.

Buffalo Mozzarella

Creamy and delicate, buffalo mozzarella adds softness and richness while keeping the salad elegant and light.

Avocado

Healthy fats make the salad more satisfying and help nourish the skin from within.

Quinoa + Pistachios

A little protein, a little crunch, and a little earthiness — this combination makes the salad feel complete.

Broccoli Micro Greens

Tiny but powerful, micro greens add a fresh, vibrant finish and an extra layer of nourishment.

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 head red butter lettuce, leaves gently separated and washed
• 1 tangerine, peeled and segmented
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 ball buffalo mozzarella, torn into soft pieces
• 3–4 slices prosciutto, gently torn
• 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• ¼ cup pistachios, roughly chopped
• A handful of broccoli micro greens
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Champagne-Orange Dressing

• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
• Juice from ½ orange
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1–2 teaspoons honey, to taste
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Directions

In a small bowl or jar, combine the minced shallot, champagne vinegar, orange juice, orange zest, and honey.

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the shallot softens and mellows.

Slowly whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the dressing feels silky and blended.

Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper.

In a separate bowl, toss the cooked quinoa with chopped pistachios and a small spoonful of the dressing.

Arrange the red butter lettuce on a large platter or shallow bowl.

Layer in the tangerine segments, cucumber, avocado, torn buffalo mozzarella, and prosciutto.

Spoon the pistachio quinoa over the salad.

Drizzle with the champagne-orange dressing.

Finish with broccoli micro greens, a little extra orange zest, cracked pepper, and a final whisper of sea salt.

Serve immediately.

Easy Swaps

No tangerine? Use orange segments, blood orange, grapefruit, or sliced nectarines.

No buffalo mozzarella? Try burrata, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or a soft cashew cheese.

No prosciutto? Leave it off for a vegetarian version, or swap in grilled chicken, smoked salmon, crispy chickpeas, or toasted seeds.

No quinoa? Use farro, millet, wild rice, or keep it leafy and light.

No pistachios? Try toasted almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or pine nuts.

No broccoli micro greens? Use pea shoots, arugula, basil leaves, or sunflower sprouts.

Glow Note

I love salads like this because they remind me that nourishing food can still feel beautiful.

Soft lettuce. Sweet citrus. Creamy avocado. Salty prosciutto. A little crunch.

Simple ingredients layered together in a way that feels fresh, generous, and full of life.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie