| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 197 | 10g | 1.5g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 5g | 2g | 0.01g |
There’s something magical about the African Cherry Orange Salad. As the cherry red African oranges blend with the sweet, tangy navel oranges, the concoction produces one of the most delightful fruit salads that I have ever tasted. I have always been fond of the natural, fresh flavors that bear the stamp of the earth they sprung from – whether it’s the hearty warmth of Irish comfort food, or the tantalizing thrill of New England’s rich seafood. Today, I’m excited to share this vibrant, sunny recipe that brings a taste of Africa to your kitchen.
A Tangy Blend of Nourishment
What I love about this particular salad is that it’s bursting with nutrition as much as it is with flavor. African cherry oranges are known for their high Vitamin C content, a powerful antioxidant, partnered with navel oranges that are excellent sources of fiber and loaded with health-promoting vitamins and minerals. When combined with the complex flavors coming from the fresh herbs and the crisp crunch of red onion, this salad is not only a joy to the taste buds but is also a nutritious powerhouse.
Learn more about the nutritional benefits of oranges here.
Complementary to Any Cuisine
This salad, while being a perfect stand-alone dish, also makes for an exciting and refreshing side with a variety of meals. I find it particularly complementary to grilled seafood dishes such as Grilled Seafood, where the citrusy tanginess of the salad balances the rich flavors of the sea. Or even with an old fashioned Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage, for a delightful fusion of Irish and African flavors.
As my fiancée Laura often reminds me, an authentic taste starts with sourcing the best and freshest ingredients. That’s why for this salad, I recommend using African cherry oranges, locally if available. But it doesn’t just stop at the taste; the beauty and vibrancy of a salad using quality ingredients can also draw the eye, making it as appealing to look at as it is to eat. Just remember, cooking should be fun, so be creative, enjoy the process and delight in the feast with your loved ones!
What You’ll Need
- 8 African cherry oranges
- 2 large navel oranges
- 1 small red onion
- 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of freshly chopped mint leaves
- 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley leaves
Method
Step One
Begin by peeling the 8 African cherry oranges and the 2 navel oranges. Once peeled, carefully slice the oranges into medium-thin rounds and set aside.
Step Two
For the red onion, peel and finely chop it. Make sure the pieces are small and equally sized for a balanced flavor throughout your salad.
Step Three
To prepare the dressing, combine 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of honey in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mix these ingredients well to form your salad dressing. Season it with salt and black pepper to taste, and set your dressing aside for later use.
Step Four
In a large salad bowl, arrange your sliced oranges and the chopped red onion. Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the fruits and onion. Toss the ingredients gently to ensure each piece is well coated with the dressing.
Step Five
Take your freshly chopped mint leaves, cilantro leaves, and parsley leaves, and sprinkle them over your salad. These will add a burst of fresh flavor and a beautiful color to your orange salad.
Step Six
Gently mix the salad one last time to blend in the fresh herbs. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your African Cherry Orange Salad is now ready to served and enjoyed.
