Moroccan Style Orange Salad with Dates and Pomegranates

Embrace the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this delightful Moroccan-style orange Salad with Dates and Pomegranates. Packed with vitamin C, this healthy dish is a burst of color in the winter months. Learn how to make it in minutes!

In the heart of winter, when the world outside is a palette of muted tones, this Orange Salad with Dates and Pomegranates brings a burst of color and flavor. It's a celebration of seasonal ingredients, featuring a delightful combination of oranges, dates, and pomegranate seeds. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect addition to your table, for any occasion.

Jump to:

• Why You will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How To Make This Citrus and Date Salad
• Substitutions and Variations
• Storage Instructions
• What to Serve with This Simple Orange Salad
• More Citrus Salad Ideas
• Moroccan Style Orange Salad with Dates and Pomegranates

Why You will Love This Recipe

This Moroccan salad has quickly become one of our favorites for a few reasons:

• Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with vitamin C from the citrus fruits, it's a boost of nutrition in every bite. The medjool dates add natural sweetness and fiber, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
• Quick and Easy: In the midst of our busy lives, it's essential to have recipes that are not only delicious but also quick to whip up. This salad fits the bill perfectly.
• Customizable: Feel free to play around with the ingredients. Swap in your favorite variety of oranges, or try adding a handful of fresh baby spinach for an extra nutrient kick.
• Seasonal Delight: When oranges are at their prime, especially during the winter months, this salad truly shines. It's a wonderful way to make the most of what nature offers us.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Oranges
• Red onion
• Dates
• Baby arugula
• Pomegranate seeds
• Flaked or chopped whole almonds
• Fresh mint leaves

See the recipe card for quantities.

For Citrus Vinaigrette:

• Extra olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Blood orange juice
• Orange zest
• Wholegrain Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Garlic clove
• Whole cumin seeds
• Ground cinnamon
• Paprika
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

See the recipe card for quantities.

How To Make This Citrus and Date Salad

Make the salad:

Prep all salad ingredients.

Assemble the salad on a serving platter or in a salad bowl.

Make the Citrus Vinaigrette:

Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Alternatively, add all the dressing ingredients to a jar, seal, and shake until well combined.

Season with salt and pepper.

Taste and add more honey or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed. Serve with salad.

Substitutions and Variations

• For a different twist, try using a combination of fresh dates, dried apricots, and a handful of sliced black olives for a unique Mediterranean touch.
• Swap the almonds for toasted pine nuts, or pistachios.
• Or add some shaved fennel for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
• Add a splash of orange blossom water to the salad for a fragrant, floral note that complements the sweetness of the dates and the tang of the citrus.
• For an extra layer of Moroccan flavor, substitute the cumin, paprika, and cinnamon in the salad dressing with a teaspoon of ras el hanout. This blend of spices adds a complex, aromatic profile to the dish, elevating it to a whole new level of taste and experience.

Storage Instructions

Make ahead:

To make this winter salad ahead of time, prep the ingredients and make the dressing, storing them in separate airtight containers. When ready to serve, assemble the salad and toss with the dressing.

Storing leftovers in the Fridge:

This salad is best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, store them without the dressing for up to 1-2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What to Serve with This Simple Orange Salad

• Pair it with grilled chicken for a light and wholesome meal.
• Serve alongside a succulent piece of salmon for a delightful seafood combination.
• For a refreshing breakfast, spoon it over a bowl of plain yogurt.
• As a sweet ending to a meal, enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Or as part of a Moroccan feast!

More Citrus Salad Ideas

If you're as enamored with citrus-infused salads as we are, here are some more delectable ideas that will tantalize your taste buds and keep your culinary adventures in full swing.

• Zesty Orange and Fennel Salad: Fresh fennel complements juicy citrus slices. Tossed in a Dijon mustard vinaigrette, it's a refreshing treat.
• Earthy Orange, Beetroot, and Avocado Salad: Roasted beetroot adds depth to sweet citrus and creamy avocado. Drizzled with an orange vinaigrette, it's a harmonious blend.
• Protein-Packed Citrus Chicken Salad: Marinated grilled chicken meets vibrant citrus, creating a delightful contrast. Tossed with greens and zesty dressing, it's a fulfilling meal.
• Perfect Pairing of Citrus and Smoked Salmon: Smoky salmon complements zesty citrus. Topped with a dill dressing, it's a luxurious indulgence.
• Exotic Moroccan Carrot Salad: Experience the exotic allure of Moroccan cuisine with this fragrant masterpiece of spiced carrots. Tossed in a citrusy dressing, it's a tantalizing taste of Morocco that will transport your senses to the bustling souks and vibrant flavors of North Africa.
• Vibrant Orange, Beetroot, and Feta Salad: Roasted beets, tangy citrus, and creamy feta come together perfectly. Add some lentils for a protein boost and drizzle with balsamic reduction, it's a visual and culinary masterpiece.

As we wrap up this citrus-infused culinary journey, remember that these vibrant salads are just the beginning. With the world of seasonal ingredients at your fingertips, your culinary adventures are boundless. Whether you're seeking refreshing simplicity or bold and exotic flavors, let the zest of citrus be your inspiration in the kitchen. 

Happy cooking!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.