Bursting with color, freshness, and a little sparkle, this Orange Pomegranate Salad is the kind of dish that brings a touch of sunshine to your table all year round. Imagine juicy segments of orange and glistening pomegranate seeds tossed with tender greens, tangy feta, toasty nuts, and a citrusy honey-balsamic dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re looking to wow dinner guests, brighten up a weeknight meal, or simply treat yourself to something special, this salad promises big flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad is in its simplicity: each ingredient is chosen for its specific ability to brighten, crunch, or balance the dish. Don’t skip any if you can help it — every one adds its own splash of flavor, texture, or color to this cheerful salad.
- Mixed Salad Greens: A mix of greens like arugula, spinach, or spring mix creates a tender, flavorful base and a pretty contrast to the vibrant fruit.
- Oranges: Choose sweet, juicy oranges; they bring brightness and a refreshing citrus burst as the star fruit.
- Pomegranate Seeds: These little ruby jewels add crunch and a sweet-tart pop that makes every bite irresistible.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness that balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Feta Cheese: Salty, tangy crumbles temper the fruitiness and give a creamy contrast.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted if you have time, nuts deliver a buttery crunch and nutty depth.
- Olive Oil: The backbone of the simple vinaigrette, lending richness and a beautiful sheen.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Just a splash gives the dressing a subtle sweetness and acidic lift.
- Honey: Softens the vinegar and pairs with fruit for a balanced, smooth flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for accentuating all the delicate flavors at play.
How to Make Orange Pomegranate Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Greens and Fruit
Start by washing and thoroughly drying your mixed salad greens — crisp greens look and taste best. Peel your oranges and slice them into thin rounds or neat segments. Gather your pomegranate seeds (store-bought makes this super easy) and get ready to layer up color.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large bowl, pile in the salad greens, nestle in the orange slices, and sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds. Add the paper-thin slivers of red onion. Dot the salad with crumbled feta and scatter the toasted pecans or walnuts over the top for a little crunch in every forkful.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, a pinch of salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Whisk or shake well until fully blended. Give it a taste — you might like a touch more honey or a splash more vinegar, so tweak as you wish!
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle your dressing evenly over the salad just before serving. With gentle hands (or salad tongs), toss everything together so the fruit, cheese, and greens get lightly coated. Serve your Orange Pomegranate Salad immediately while everything is at its freshest and most vibrant.
How to Serve Orange Pomegranate Salad
Garnishes
Bring your Orange Pomegranate Salad to life with a final flourish: a few extra pomegranate seeds sprinkled across the top, a twist of cracked black pepper, or some delicate orange zest creates a restaurant-worthy finish. If you want a little color contrast, finely chopped fresh herbs like mint or parsley are perfect.
Side Dishes
This salad shines beside anything from roasted chicken to pan-seared salmon, but it’s especially at home next to Mediterranean mains or a grain-based pilaf. For a vegetarian feast, pair it with lentil soup or warm, crusty bread for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Entertain with style by layering the salad in individual glasses for a fun starter or arranging it on a large platter so the gorgeous oranges and pomegranate pop. For dinner parties, try serving your Orange Pomegranate Salad with edible flowers for a show-stopping twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover Orange Pomegranate Salad, transfer any undressed salad to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate, as mixing it in advance can make the greens wilt.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate nature of greens and fruits, which lose their texture when thawed. Make only what you’ll eat within a couple of days for maximum crunch and flavor.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! The Orange Pomegranate Salad is a no-cook dish meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’re craving warmth, top your serving with some freshly grilled chicken or salmon straight from the pan.
FAQs
Can I use blood oranges or other citrus varieties?
Absolutely! Blood oranges, clementines, or even grapefruit work beautifully. Mixing citrus varieties gives your Orange Pomegranate Salad an even more dramatic look and a blend of subtle flavors.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese is a lovely substitute—creamy and tangy. If you’re dairy-free, try avocado cubes for richness, or use a dairy-free feta alternative to keep that salty bite.
How do I seed a pomegranate easily?
Slice the pomegranate in half, hold it cut side down over a bowl, and tap firmly with a wooden spoon to release the seeds. Or, you can find pre-seeded pomegranate in many grocery stores to save time.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! Whisk up the dressing and keep it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before pouring over your salad for fresh flavor in seconds.
Is Orange Pomegranate Salad suitable for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep if you store the components separately. Assemble the salad and dressing when you’re ready to eat, keeping everything fresh and crisp for days.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll find a reason to make (and share!) this radiant Orange Pomegranate Salad soon. It’s a simple pleasure that always gets rave reviews and brings genuine joy to the table. Dig into the colors, savor the layers of flavor, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
Print
Orange Pomegranate Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This refreshing Orange Pomegranate Salad is a delightful mix of mixed greens, juicy oranges, sweet pomegranate seeds, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic dressing. A perfect salad for any occasion!
Ingredients
Mixed Salad Greens
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
Oranges
- 2 medium oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds or segments
Pomegranate Seeds
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Red Onion
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Feta Cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Pecans or Walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted if desired)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, orange slices, pomegranate seeds, red onion, feta cheese, and nuts.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese for feta or use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
- Add grilled chicken to make it a main dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
