Duck and Orange Salad

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How to make duck and orange salad? Gather your ingredients. Use a chilled duck breast — the meat comes out juicier and more tender. Any salad greens work; I used a mix. Wash and dry them. Toast the pumpkin seeds ahead of time in a dry skillet.

2. Step 2:

   

   Rinse the duck breast and pat it very dry with paper towels — excess moisture will steam the meat instead of searing it. Season with salt and pepper to taste. With a sharp knife, score the skin in a deep crosshatch, which helps the breast cook through faster. You can also remove the skin entirely to cut down on the calories.

3. Step 3:

   

   Heat a mix of butter and vegetable oil in a skillet — the vegetable oil keeps the butter from burning, since it has a higher smoke point. Sear the breast over medium heat on all sides for about 30 minutes, until golden brown.

4. Step 4:

   

   Wash the orange and cut away the peel and white pith. Cut the flesh into segments (supremes) — the video shows this well. You can segment limes, lemons, and grapefruit the same way: any citrus with firm membranes between the sections and dense flesh. It won't work with a mandarin.

5. Step 5:

   

   Save any juice that runs off for the dressing.

6. Step 6:

   

   Now make the dressing. Gather everything you need for it.

7. Step 7:

   

   How to make the dressing? Combine all the dressing ingredients.

8. Step 8:

   

   Whisk them together until smooth. Feel free to adjust — use any vegetable oil, swap the vinegar for lemon juice, or use any mild mustard.

9. Step 9:

   

   Slice the cooked duck thinly. If you want to serve the salad warm, keep the duck in the covered, cooling skillet until you're ready for it.

10. Step 10:

    

    Arrange the salad greens on a serving plate. If the leaves are large, tear them by hand — cutting with metal makes greens oxidize and wilt faster.

11. Step 11:

    

    Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and lay them over the greens. Drizzle half the dressing over the vegetables.

12. Step 12:

    

    Arrange the orange segments on top.

13. Step 13:

    

    Add the duck slices.

14. Step 14:

    

    Drizzle the rest of the dressing over the salad.

15. Step 15:

    

    Scatter the pumpkin seeds over the top and finish with freshly ground black pepper. Serve right away — salads with fresh vegetables don't hold well. Enjoy!