Orange and Pomegranate Salad is a burst of citrusy sweetness, a pop of juicy seeds, and a lot of health benefits packed into one vibrant dish. Enjoy it as light lunch, a side for dinner, or even a fancy brunch, this salad will win you over. It has delightful flavors and the added bonus of being super easy to make!
Pomegranates are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Oranges, on the other hand, are a great source of vitamin C, folate and potassium. Together, they make a great combination for a healthy and delicious salad.
This type of salad is often served as a side dish or as a light lunch. It can also be a great addition to any meal. The vibrant colors and unique flavors of the oranges and pomegranates make it a visually appealing dish.
It is perfect for special occasions or holiday meals. You can also experiment with different types of greens, nuts, and cheeses to create your own unique version of this dish.
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Why Should You make Orange Pomegranate Salad
There are plenty of reasons to love this orange and pomegranate salad:
- Zesty Citrus Flavors: The oranges bring a perfect tangy-sweet punch, while the pomegranate adds a pop of juiciness.
- Quick and Simple: With just a few fresh ingredients, you can have this salad ready in under 10 minutes.
- Packed with Health Benefits: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this salad is both delicious and nutritious.
- Versatile: You can enjoy it as a light meal or pair it with your choice of protein
- Inspired by the Best: This recipe takes a cue from popular versions like orange salad Ottolenghi. It offers a balance of sweetness and savory notes with simple ingredients.
- Holiday-friendly: Adding Orange Pomegranate Salad to your holiday table adds a refreshing and colorful touch to your
Ingredients for Orange Pomegranate Salad
The ingredients for an orange pomegranate salad can vary depending on personal preference and the recipe you are following, but a basic recipe may include:
Oranges: Peeled and segmented, or thinly sliced
Pomegranate seeds: Freshly removed from the fruit
Greens: I have used romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce
Nuts and seeds: Chopped walnuts and pumpkin and sunflower seeds
Vinaigrette: A mixture of olive oil, lime juice or vinegar. It includes spices like red chilli flakes, mixed herbs, and sea salt.
You can also add other ingredients like thinly sliced red onion. You can also add diced avocado to add more flavor and texture to the salad. I have given some substitution or addition as per your own taste.
How to Make This Simple Orange and Pomegranate Salad
Step 1: Prep the Oranges
- Begin by peeling the oranges. Slice off the top and bottom, then use a knife to remove the peel and the pith. Cut the oranges into thin rounds or wedges, whichever you prefer.
Step 2: Extract the Pomegranate Seeds
- Extract the seeds from the pomegranate. To do this easily, slice the pomegranate in half and tap the back with a spoon over a bowl to release the seeds.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the orange slices, pomegranate seeds, thinly sliced red onion, and cucumber.
- Add fresh mint leaves and the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. The feta complements the sweetness of the oranges and pomegranate while adding a savory depth to the salad.
Step 4: Make the Orange and Pomegranate Salad Dressing
- Whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper for flavor. This simple orange and pomegranate salad dressing is light, tangy, and brings out the best in the ingredients.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. Ensure the oranges, pomegranate seeds, and onions are well coated with the dressing.
- Serve it fresh immediately or let the salad chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes if you prefer it cold.
Health Benefits of Orange and Pomegranate Salad
Before jumping into the recipe, let’s talk about the health perks this orange and pomegranate salad brings to your table.
1. Immune-Boosting Vitamin C
Oranges are packed with Vitamin C, which is excellent for supporting your immune system and maintaining healthy skin.
2. Antioxidant Powerhouse
Pomegranates are known for their high level of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and promote overall cellular health.
3. Digestive Health
Oranges are a great source of fiber, which helps in digestion and keeps you feeling satisfied for longer.
4. Low in Calories
This easy orange and pomegranate salad is light, flavorful, and low in calories. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty yet health-conscious meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Orange and Pomegranate Salad
- Use Fresh Citrus: Opt for juicy, sweet oranges to get the most flavor. You can even mix in blood oranges for added color and a deeper citrus taste.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare this salad a few hours ahead of time. Just wait to add the dressing until you're ready to serve, so everything stays fresh.
- Add Protein: To make this a complete meal, top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. The tangy-sweetness of the salad pairs wonderfully with these proteins.
- Experiment with different dressings: Vinaigrette is a classic dressing. You can also try other dressings like a creamy dressing. Another option is a yogurt-based dressing.
- Make It Ottolenghi-Style: If you love orange salad Ottolenghi versions, try adding nuts like pistachios or walnuts for extra crunch. You can also include roasted fennel or arugula to elevate the salad to new heights.
Variations
You can experiment with ingredients to create your own unique version of this dish.
Tips to make Best orange Pomegranate Salad
Here are some tips to help you make the best orange pomegranate salad:
- Use fresh ingredients: Use freshly segmented oranges for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- It's best to use freshly removed pomegranate seeds. Fresh seeds will be more flavorful and have a better texture than pre-packaged pomegranate seeds.
- Balance the flavors: Add a balance of sweet and tangy flavors by adding some honey or sugar in the vinaigrette. You can also add a splash of lemon or lime juice to balance the sweetness of the oranges.
- Adjust the quantity of ingredients: Adjust the quantity of ingredients to your taste and dietary needs. You can also add or remove any ingredient that you don't like.
By using these tips, you can create a delicious and healthy orange pomegranate salad that is sure to please your taste buds
Can You Make it ahead of time
Yes, you can make an orange pomegranate salad ahead of time. However, it's best to keep the components separate until you are ready to serve. This keeps the salad fresh and avoids the greens from wilting. This method should keep the salad fresh for up to a day. Just avoid adding the vinaigrette for too long in advance, as it can make the greens wilt.
How To Store it?
To store an orange pomegranate salad, you should separate the different components. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Here's how you can store the different components:
- Oranges: Peel and segment the oranges, then store them in an airtight container or plastic bag.
- Pomegranate seeds: Place the seeds in an airtight container or plastic bag.
- Greens: Wash and dry the greens, then store them in an airtight container or plastic bag.
- Vinaigrette: Mix the olive oil, vinegar or lime juice, salt, and red chilli flakes and mixed herb together. Store it in an airtight container or small jar.
When you're ready to serve the salad, take out all the ingredients from the refrigerator. Assemble them in a bowl. Toss the salad ingredients with the prepared vinaigrette, and serve.
It's best to consume the salad within a day to ensure the freshness of the greens. If you have leftovers, it's best to consume it within the next day.
More Such Recipes
I have shared many delicious easy to make salad recipes in this Salad Section . A Few of the favorites are mentioned below.
- Persian Pomegranate and Beet Salad
- The Best Beet Salad
- Vegan Caesar Salad
- High Protein Quinoa and Kidney Beans Salad
- Indian Green Peas Salad ( Koshimbir)
- Chopped Spring Salad
- Thai Cucumber Salad
- Paneer Tikka Quinoa Salad
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📖 Recipe
Orange Pomegranate Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup oranges peeled and segmented
- .5 cup pomegranate seeded
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- .25 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli flakes
- 1 teaspoon Mixed herbs
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, red chilli flakes and mixed herbs to make the vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle the crumbled pumpkin seed sunflower seed mix over the top.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Notes
Nutrition
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