Looking for a refreshing and festive salad to add to your next meal? This Fresh Orange Salad is a perfect recipe idea that combines vibrant mixed greens, juicy oranges, tangy pomegranate, creamy feta, and sweet candied pecans. Tossed in a homemade dressing, it’s the ideal addition to any holiday menu or just a delicious, healthy side dish to enjoy year-round.
Ingredients for the Fresh Orange Salad
For the Salad:
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarins, clementines, or tangerines)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or substitute dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon shallot, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions :
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and candied pecans.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad to taste and toss gently to coat. You may have extra dressing, which you can save for later.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Salad
- Fresh vs. Canned Oranges: You can use canned mandarin oranges, but fresh oranges have a better texture and flavor. Peel and segment the oranges yourself for the best results.
- Feta Cheese: I recommend buying a block of feta and crumbling it yourself. Pre-crumbled feta often contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t taste as fresh.
- Candied Pecans: You can buy candied pecans at the store, or make your own if you prefer. Either way, they add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the salad.
- Pomegranate Seeds: To save time, buy pre-packaged pomegranate seeds instead of removing them from a whole pomegranate. It’s a quick shortcut, especially during busy holiday seasons.
- Pre-washed Greens: If you’re looking to save time, consider using pre-washed greens from the store.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This Fresh Orange Salad is perfect for preparing in advance, especially during the busy holiday season. Here’s how you can get ahead:
- Dressing: Make the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, give it a good shake to mix the ingredients.
- Fruit Prep: The oranges and pomegranate seeds can be prepped up to one day ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
When it’s time to serve, simply combine the prepped ingredients with the greens, add the dressing, and toss. It’s an effortless yet impressive dish!
Flavor Variations
This salad is delicious as-is, but feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own:
- Fruit: Swap out the oranges for other seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or persimmons for a unique twist.
- Nuts: Pecans are a perfect match, but almonds, walnuts, or cashews also work well. Whether roasted or candied, they add great texture and flavor.
- Cheese: Try switching the feta for blue cheese, shaved parmesan, ricotta salata, or small mozzarella balls for a different flavor profile.
- Add-Ins: Add some shaved fennel, red onions, avocado, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
This Fresh Orange Salad is a versatile and easy recipe idea that’s sure to brighten up any meal. Enjoy!