Confit Duck Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Confit Duck Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Prep: 15 min • Cook: 10 min. This refreshing and sophisticated salad combines the rich, savory notes of crispy duck confit with the peppery bite of fresh arugula. Toasted pistachios add a delightful crunch, while a vibrant blood orange vinaigrette provides a sweet and tangy counterpoint, making for a truly elegant and satisfying dish.

Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
10 min
Total time
25 min
Servings
2

Instructions

Prepare the Duck Confit

  1. 1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove duck confit legs from their fat, scraping off excess. Place skin-side up on a baking sheet.
  2. 2Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Let cool slightly, then shred the meat off the bone.

Make the Blood Orange Vinaigrette

  1. 1Juice one blood orange into a small bowl. You should have about 3 tablespoons of juice.
  2. 2Whisk in the finely minced shallot, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking until the vinaigrette is emulsified.

Assemble the Salad

  1. 1While the duck roasts, segment the second blood orange by carefully cutting away the peel and white pith, then slicing along the membranes to release the individual segments.
  2. 2Lightly toast the pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool and roughly chop.
  3. 3In a large bowl, combine the arugula, shredded duck confit, blood orange segments, and toasted pistachios.
  4. 4Drizzle the blood orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories
781 kcal
Protein
35 g
Fat
56 g
Carbs
32 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories781 kcal
Protein35 g
Fat56 g
Carbs32 g

Tips

  • Segmenting blood oranges neatly enhances presentation and avoids bitterness from the pith.
  • Ensure duck confit skin is thoroughly crispy for the best texture contrast in the salad.
  • Serve this salad as a light lunch or an elegant appetizer, perhaps with a glass of crisp white wine.

By Chef Michael Ilin