Cara Cara Orange and Prosciutto Salad with Arugula and Fennel

Cara Cara Orange and Prosciutto Salad is a sweet-and-savory salad made even more delightful with creamy burrata. Serve it as an appetizer, a light lunch, or part of a weekend brunch. Citrus is at its best in winter and early spring, and Cara Cara oranges are a seasonal favorite.

What is a Cara Cara Orange?

If you haven’t tried a Cara Cara orange, you’re missing a treat. These medium-sized, seedless oranges look ordinary on the outside but reveal pink, juicy flesh inside. They’re sweeter and less acidic than navel oranges, often with subtle berry and cherry notes. Cara Caras are rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, and in California they’re typically in season from late November through April—perfect for winter and early-spring salads.

Ingredients

• Cara Cara oranges: Sweet and flavorful; substitute another citrus if desired.
• Prosciutto: Thinly sliced prosciutto adds a savory, salty contrast.
• Burrata: A ball of fresh burrata brings creamy richness.
• Pistachios: Chopped pistachios add crunch and color.
• Mint: Fresh mint leaves brighten the dish and add visual appeal.
• Olive oil: A drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil to finish.
• Salt and pepper: Freshly ground black pepper and flaky sea salt to taste (optional).

The full ingredient amounts are included in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This Cara Cara Orange and Prosciutto Salad comes together in minutes—simple, elegant, and fresh.

1. On a large plate or serving dish, arrange the Cara Cara orange slices and the prosciutto in an attractive pattern.
2. Gently tear the burrata into pieces and place it over the oranges and prosciutto.
3. Sprinkle chopped pistachios and mint leaves across the salad. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper. Finish with flaky sea salt if you like.

Variations

This salad is delicious as written, but here are simple ways to adapt it:

• Swap the citrus: If Cara Caras aren’t available, use blood oranges, navel oranges, mandarins, or grapefruit.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the prosciutto for a vegetarian version.
• Try different nuts: Substitute pistachios with almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts for a different texture and flavor.
• Change the cheese: If you don’t have burrata, fresh mozzarella or shavings of Parmesan work well.
• Dairy-free option: Skip the cheese for a dairy-free appetizer that still offers fantastic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad works beautifully as a starter or brunch dish. For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of arugula or kale and drizzle with a light orange or balsamic vinaigrette instead of plain olive oil. Offer toasted baguette slices or garlic toast on the side for a satisfying contrast.

Try it for a simple, elegant lunch or as part of a composed spread at gatherings—its bright citrus, creamy burrata, and silky prosciutto always get compliments.

More Recipes

If you’d like other complementary dishes, consider a light frittata, a leafy salad with fruit, or a crunchy greens salad to round out the meal.

If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a rating and a comment—feedback helps others discover great recipes!

Cara Cara Orange and Prosciutto Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews

• Author: Nicole | Fresh Apron
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings