Rhubarb Salad

Rhubarb Salad is a great way to make a seasonal salad with lots of flavors.

A vibrant blend of fresh greens, tangy rhubarb, and zesty tangelo, topped with crunchy toasted macadamia nuts is a perfect salad for spring or summer.

When the rhubarb shows up at your local farmers market, it is a good opportunity to pull out this delicious rhubarb salad recipe!

The combination of sweet oranges and the small pieces of sweet-tart rhubarb creates a refreshing dish that’s perfect for spring and summer. 

And this Rhubarb and Wild Onion Salad has such a unique flavor profile.

The mix of tangy rhubarb oranges brings a delightful twist to traditional salads, offering a balance of sweet, sour, and earthy flavors.

Like all great salads, Rhubarb Tangelo Salad has a crunchy feature too.

Toasted macadamia nuts add a satisfying crunch and rich, buttery taste that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

The tangelo and lemon juice-based dressing adds a vibrant and zesty kick that enhances the flavors of the salad without overwhelming them.

Despite its sophisticated taste, this Rhubarb and Macadamia Nut Salad is easy to prepare and comes together quickly.

With a simple list of ingredients, it is a great option for both casual meals and special occasions like Easter and Mother’s Day meals.

Using seasonal produce, this rhubarb orange salad creates a starter salad that’s both fresh and flavorful.

What Ingredients Are in Rhubarb Salad?

• Mixed Greens: Provides a fresh and crisp base for the salad.
• Raw Rhubarb: Introduces a tart, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of other ingredients.
• Tangelos: Adds a burst of tart taste and sweetness to this recipe; the zest and juice are used in the dressing and give a bright, not sour taste.
• Green Onions: A sharp and flavorful contrast to the sweet rhubarb and oranges.
• Toasted Macadamia Nuts: Offers a rich, buttery crunch.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright citrus blend to the tangelo dressing.
• Rice Vinegar: the vinegar in the dressing, this adds a great flavor to go with the rhubarb.
• Honey: sweetens and thickens the dressing a long way.
• Olive Oil: the base of the salad dressing to pull everything together.

Pro Tips:

• Be sure to toast the macadamia nuts to bring out their full flavor and crunch.
• Be sure to use fresh rhubarb and not pickled rhubarb. While pickled rhubarb works well in salads, the pickling liquid will throw off the balance of flavors in this rhubarb, and tangelo salad.
• If tangelos aren’t available, you can use any mandarin style orange.

How to Make Rhubarb Salad:

1. Prepare and toast the macadamia nuts.
2. Simmer rhubarb in a sugar-water mixture in a small saucepan.
3. Assemble the salad with mixed greens, cooked rhubarb, tangelo slices, green onions and toasted macadamia nuts in a large bowl.
4. Make the dressing by whisking together the remaining ingredients.
5. Toss the salad with the dressing or serve it on the side.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a more intense flavor, let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for a short time before serving.

How to Prepare Rhubarb for Salad:

To prepare rhubarb for salad, first wash and dry the stalk of rhubarb, then cut off the ends.

Slice the stalks diagonally into 1/2 inch pieces. Simmer the slices in a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 2 cups water until tender, then cool completely (to room temperature or in the fridge) before adding them to the salad.

Preparing rhubarb this way is pure magic.

It gives them great texture and flavors in small pieces of rhubarb that give you a delicious Cooked Rhubarb Salad.

What is a Tangelo?

Tangelos are a cross between a tangerine and a pomelo (similar to a grapefruit). They are a little sweeter than a navel orange and have fantastic zest and juice flavors.

If this is your first time using Tangelo to make a salad dressing, you are going to love it. This Tangelo dressing recipe is one of my favorite recipes.

How Long Does Rhubarb Salad Last?

Rhubarb tangelo salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The textures and flavors may change slightly as it sits.

Is Rhubarb Salad Healthy?

Yes, this rhubarb green onion salad is quite healthy.

It combines fresh vegetables and fruits with nuts, providing a good balance of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

The dressing is light and made from natural ingredients.

How to Store Rhubarb Salad:

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Is Rhubarb Salad Vegan?

The rhubarb nut salad is vegan if you omit the honey or replace it with a vegan alternative like maple syrup. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based.

What to Serve with Rhubarb Salad:

This salad with rhubarb and oranges pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a refreshing side to a hearty main dish.

It’s also delightful on its own for a light lunch with a nice array of fresh fruit. If you’d like to make a salad bar for an event, serve this salad with a few of these:

• Raspberry Kiwi Salad
• Cherry Tomato Salad
• Asian Chopped Salad
• Chili Cheese Frito Salad
• Mustard Potato Salad
• Original Grape Salad Recipe
• Fumi Salad
• Chef Salad
• 4 Bean Salad
• Avocado and Melon Salad
• Tuna Potato Salad
• Blueberry Beet Salad
• Farro Arugula Salad
• Quinoa Cannellini Bean Salad
• Watermelon Mint and Feta Salad

Can You Freeze Rhubarb Salad?

No, you should not freeze this salad with cooked rhubarb.

The texture of the greens and rhubarb are negatively affected when frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

The next time you need a simple and perfectly delicious salad, try this rhubarb salad.

Filled with your favorite early spring vegetable and loads of flavor, this is one salad recipe you will reach for again and again.