Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad: 30-Min Delight

Name: Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups mixed fresh greens (spinach, arugula, romaine, spring mix, or mesclun); 6 medium clementines, peeled and sliced; 2–3 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1 ripe avocado, sliced; ¼ medium white onion, thinly sliced; ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese; ⅓ cup salted roasted pistachios, shelled; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2–3 tablespoons Honey White Balsamic Dressing (or regular balsamic if preferred)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for something bright, cheerful, and just a little bit different, this Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad is about to become your new favorite. It’s colorful, fresh, and feels like sunshine in a bowl—whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just trying to make Tuesday dinner feel less… Tuesday.

I love recipes like this. The kind that look fancy on the table but take less than 30 minutes to pull together. Because let’s be honest—most of us don’t have time for complicated. We want something healthy, delicious, and pretty enough to make people say, “Ooooh, what’s that?”

This salad does exactly that.

It’s sweet from juicy clementines, crisp from cool cucumbers, creamy from avocado, and just a little tangy thanks to goat cheese and a simple honey balsamic dressing. It’s the kind of fresh, easy salad that works as a side dish or—add some protein—and suddenly dinner is handled.

Why You’ll Love This Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad

First of all, it’s gorgeous. The green from the salad greens and cucumbers, the white from the cheese, and the bright orange from the clementines give you that Irish flag vibe without any food coloring or gimmicks.

But beyond the looks?

It’s ready in 30 minutes.
No cooking required.
It’s light but satisfying.
It pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to corned beef.
It’s flexible (and we love a flexible recipe).

I’ve had readers swap in blue cheese, feta, different vinegars—even poppy seed dressing. And guess what? It still turns out delicious. That’s the beauty of this salad. It’s forgiving. Like your favorite stretchy jeans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what brings this Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad to life:

10 cups fresh greens (spinach, arugula, romaine, spring mix—whatever looks best at the store)
6 medium clementines, peeled and sliced
2–3 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 ripe avocado, sliced
¼ white onion, thinly sliced
⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
⅓ cup salted roasted pistachios, shelled
Honey white balsamic dressing (about 2–3 tablespoons to start)

If your store doesn’t have white balsamic vinegar? Regular balsamic works. The color may be darker, but the flavor is still wonderful. Several home cooks have done exactly that—and loved it.

How to Make Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Start With the Greens

Place your clean greens in a large serving bowl or spread them out on a wide platter. I personally love using a platter for this one because you can really show off the colors.

Pro tip: If your greens feel damp, give them a quick spin in a salad spinner. Nobody wants watery dressing pooling at the bottom.

Step 2: Layer the Color

Arrange the sliced clementines, cucumbers, white onion, and avocado over the greens.

You can toss everything together—or, if you’re feeling a little extra (in the best way), arrange the ingredients in loose stripes to mimic the Irish flag. It makes such a fun presentation for gatherings.

Step 3: Add the Dressing

Drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of your honey balsamic dressing lightly over the salad.

Toss gently. And I do mean gently—avocado bruises faster than my feelings during a sad movie.

Start with less dressing. You can always add more at the table.

Step 4: Finish With the Good Stuff

Sprinkle on the crumbled goat cheese and roasted pistachios. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side.

That’s it. Done. No oven. No stovetop. No stress.

Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad with honey balsamic drizzle and toasted pistachios — Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad with a light honey balsamic dressing

Let’s Talk Flavor (Because It’s Magic)

If you’ve never tried clementine and cucumber together, you might be skeptical. I get it. One reader even said, “I would never have thought of this combination.”

But here’s what happens:

The clementines bring sweetness and brightness.
The cucumbers add cool crunch.
The avocado gives creamy balance.
The goat cheese adds tangy depth.
The pistachios bring salty crunch.
The dressing ties it all together with sweet and acidic notes.

It’s fresh. It’s light. It feels like a deep breath after a long day.

Make It a Meal

Want to turn this Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad into dinner? Easy.

Add grilled chicken.
Toss in some shrimp.
Layer it alongside roasted salmon.
Or serve it with crusty bread and call it good.

I’ve even added leftover rotisserie chicken on busy weeknights when cooking another thing felt like too much. Zero regrets.

Cooking Tips for Success

Here are a few little tricks that make a big difference:

1. Use Fresh Pistachios

Stale nuts can throw off the whole salad. If yours taste a little tired, toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes to revive the flavor.

2. Slice the Onion Thin

Paper-thin slices prevent the onion from overpowering everything else. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes first.

3. Add Avocado Last

Slice and add it right before serving so it stays bright and beautiful.

4. Don’t Overdress

This salad shines when lightly coated. If it looks glossy but not drenched, you’re doing it right.

And if your dressing looks darker because you used regular balsamic? Don’t stress. It’s just extra flavor.

Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad with avocado, cucumber, goat cheese and pistachios on a white platter — Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad served on a white platter with avocado, clementines and pistachios

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This salad became a staple in my house during a particularly hectic season. You know the kind—school activities, work deadlines, laundry multiplying overnight.

I needed something fast but still special enough to feel like I was putting real thought into dinner.

The first time I made this Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad, I honestly just wanted something colorful for St. Patrick’s Day. But after one bite? It instantly replaced my usual go-to salad.

Even my picky eater paused and said, “Wait… this is actually really good.”

That’s when I knew it was staying in the rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the goat cheese?

Absolutely. Feta works beautifully and gives a slightly saltier bite. Blue cheese is bolder but still delicious. Several readers have used feta with great results.

What if I don’t have white balsamic vinegar?

Regular balsamic vinegar works just fine. The dressing will be darker, but the flavor is still lovely. Some cooks even use white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or a mix with mirin.

Can I omit the onion or pistachios?

Yes. If you’re not an onion fan, skip it. If you’re out of pistachios, try walnuts, pecans, or even sliced almonds. This Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad is very adaptable.

How long will leftovers last?

It’s best eaten fresh. If you anticipate leftovers, store the dressing separately and add avocado just before serving. Undressed greens can last a day or two in the fridge.

Can I use a different dressing?

Sure! Poppy seed dressing pairs nicely with the citrus. Just keep it light so it doesn’t overpower the fresh flavors.

Perfect for Holidays (Or Just Because)

Yes, this salad is a natural fit for St. Patrick’s Day. It looks festive without any artificial colors or heavy ingredients.

But honestly? It’s just as perfect for:

Easter brunch
Baby showers
Summer barbecues
Light weeknight dinners
Girls’ lunch gatherings

It’s one of those recipes that feels a little fancy but takes very little effort. And those are my favorite kinds.

Fresh Flavor, No Fuss

At the end of the day, food should make life easier—not harder. That’s why I love recipes like this Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad. It’s simple, flexible, and packed with fresh flavor that makes you feel good after you eat it.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just trying to get more greens on the table, this salad delivers. It’s colorful, crowd-pleasing, and just different enough to keep things interesting.

And if it ends up replacing your old favorite salad too? Well… I won’t be surprised.

More Fresh Salads & Easy Dinner Ideas to Try

If you loved the bright flavors in this Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad, there are so many other fresh, feel-good recipes you can add to your table. For another crisp and herb-packed side, try this refreshing Persian Shirazi Salad — it’s light, vibrant, and perfect alongside grilled meats or simple weeknight dinners.

If you’re building a beautiful spread for guests, this simple and crowd-pleasing Greek Lettuce Salad pairs wonderfully with just about everything.

Want to turn salad night into a complete meal? Serve it with this flavor-packed Cajun Salmon with Avocado and Lime for a colorful, satisfying dinner that still feels light and fresh.

And if you enjoy seasonal fruit and cheese combinations, don’t miss the gorgeous Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad — it has that same sweet-and-savory magic.

For even more inspiration behind this festive favorite, you can also explore the original version of the Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad that sparked the idea.