Orange Salad (with Pomegranate and Fresh Mint)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.

This refreshing Orange Salad is bursting with flavor and sure to turn heads at any table!

A plate of sliced oranges topped with pomegranate seeds, chopped nuts, fresh mint, and red onion on a gray surface.

It’s a vibrant dish featuring tart pomegranate arils, fresh mint, five-minute candied almonds, and a zesty honey lime vinaigrette.

Close-up of candies almonds coated in a sugar mixture, scattered on a sheet of parchment paper.

Serve the dish as a light lunch or as a side salad any time of year. Alternatively, pair it with your favorite protein, these garlicky potatoes, and my easy focaccia to impress friends and family at your next dinner party!

A sideshow of a plate of sliced oranges topped with pomegranate seeds, chopped nuts, diced red onions, and fresh mint, arranged on a white dish.

The best part about this dish is that you can easily prep it in advance. It’s a family favorite everyone is sure to love.

Orange Salad Ingredients

Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!

A flat lay of ingredients in bowls, including almonds, honey, sugar, pomegranate, water, oranges, lime, mint, red onion, and olive oil.

Oranges: Firm Navel oranges are best for this recipe.
Pomegranate: You only need half a pomegranate. Store the rest in the fridge to top onto your breakfast or enjoy as a snack.
Red onion: I only use half a small red onion, but adjust as you please. You can soak chopped red onion in cold water for 15 minutes to mellow its flavor.
Fresh mint: Chop the leaves finely or use whole leaves.
Almonds, sugar, and water: Cook together in a pan for 5 minutes for the most delicious candied nuts. Adds crunch and sweetness.
Olive oil, honey, and lime juice: Combine for a sweet and zesty dressing. Season with sea salt and pepper (not pictured).

How to Make an Orange Salad

A white plate with a raised beaded edge holding neatly arranged slices of peeled orange fruit.

Prepare the ingredients. Make the candied almonds, slice the oranges and cut away the peel and white pith, deseed the pomegranate, chop the mint and onion.

A hand sprinkles toppings over a plate of sliced oranges garnished with pomegranate seeds, chopped nuts, and diced red onions.

Arrange the salad on a platter.

A hand drizzles dressing over a plate of sliced oranges topped with pomegranate seeds, chopped nuts, mint, and diced red onion.

Make the salad dressing, whisk, and pour it on top.

Recipe Tip

If you cut the pomegranate and deseed it in a bowl of cold water, you can limit the staining from the fruit juice.

Possible Variations

Oranges: Use a combination of citrus fruits. Blood oranges, grapefruit, mandarins, etc, would all be delicious options.
Pomegranate: Try dried cranberries or raisins.
Red onion: Shallots or white onion are great alternatives.
Lime juice: If you’re out of lime, try fresh orange juice, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar.
Fresh mint: Opt for other herbs such as fresh thyme, coriander, parsley, green onions, or basil.
Candied almonds: Add spices such as cinnamon, cayenne, cardamom, or chili flakes while caramelizing for even more flavor. Or swap for pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts. You can use pumpkin seeds, too.
Presentation: Use edible flowers such as pansies, chamomile, or lavender for a beautiful finishing touch.
Add-ins: You can add arugula, baby spinach, avocados, cucumber, radishes, cucumber, beets, red cabbage, strawberries, or even goat cheese.

How to Store Leftovers

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 1-2 days.

FAQs

Can I make the orange and pomegranate salad ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely. It will only get better, soaking in all the flavors. However, wait to top with the candied almonds until you are ready to serve (you want them to be crispy).

What can I serve this orange salad recipe with?

Try it with chicken, fish, or a steak. It’s a refreshing dish that pairs well with most meals any time of the year.

Can I make this into a fruit salad instead?

If you omit the red onion and olive oil, and add red grapes or blueberries, you can make a delightful citrusy fruit salad!