A Sweet and Tangy Delight
This Orange & Date Salad with Crunchy Walnuts is a delightful combination of juicy oranges, sweet dates, and earthy walnuts. It’s a refreshing, vibrant dish that balances the sweetness of the dates with the tangy freshness of the oranges and a satisfying crunch from the walnuts. Perfect as a light side salad or a refreshing addition to a holiday spread, this salad is easy to make but rich in flavor. Allowing it to sit for a few minutes brings the ingredients together for an even more delicious experience.
Instructions
Gather all the ingredients.
Start by peeling the oranges and carefully removing the segments (filet) to avoid the membrane. Cut the segments into bite-sized cubes. This step ensures that the oranges are juicy but free from any bitter pith.
Remove the pits from the dates. Slice them lengthwise in half, then cut each half into thin slices. The sweetness of the dates will perfectly complement the tanginess of the oranges.
Roughly chop the walnuts to add a satisfying crunch to the salad. You can toast them lightly in a pan for a deeper flavor, but this step is optional.
In a mixing bowl, combine the orange cubes, sliced dates, and chopped walnuts. Gently toss everything together, making sure the ingredients are well mixed without bruising the oranges.
Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. This rest time helps the ingredients absorb each other’s flavors, creating a harmonious and delicious salad.
Orange & Date Salad with Crunchy Walnuts
Ingredients
- 3 oranges
- 5 dates
- 30 g walnuts
Instructions
- Filet and cube the oranges.
- Pit and slice the dates.
- Roughly chop the walnuts.
- Mix everything in a bowl.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Fresh Mint: For an added burst of freshness, garnish with a handful of fresh mint leaves just before serving. The mint adds a cool, fragrant contrast to the sweetness of the dates and the citrusy oranges.
- Use Sweet Dates: Medjool dates are the best option for this salad as they are soft, sweet, and have a rich, caramel-like flavor. Avoid using dried dates, as they can be too tough and chewy.
- Walnut Alternatives: If you don’t have walnuts on hand, you can substitute with pecans or almonds for a similar crunch. Toasting the nuts will elevate the flavor even more.
- Serve Chilled: For a refreshing twist, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. It will be especially cooling on hot days.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a few hours, but try to add the walnuts just before serving to keep their crunch intact.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Bright and Refreshing: The combination of juicy oranges and sweet dates makes this salad a vibrant burst of flavor, perfect for brightening up any meal.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamin C from the oranges, fiber from the dates, and healthy fats from the walnuts, this salad is not only delicious but also nourishing.
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just a few simple steps, making it the perfect addition to a quick weeknight meal or a festive holiday spread.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this salad is versatile enough for any occasion and will always stand out on the table.
- Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the dates is beautifully balanced by the tanginess of the oranges and the crunch of the walnuts, making every bite a satisfying experience.
