Name: Mediterranean Orange and Pomegranate Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 25 fresh mint leaves, chopped; 6 Navel oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds; 1 pinch kosher salt; 1 pinch sweet paprika; 1 pinch ground cinnamon; 1 pomegranate, seeded (about 1 to 1 1/4 cups seeds); 1 lime, juiced; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 1/2 teaspoons orange blossom water (optional)

There’s something so refreshing and vibrant about this Mediterranean Orange and Pomegranate Salad Recipe that always brightens up my day. The juicy oranges paired with the jewel-like pomegranate seeds create a flavor and texture combo that’s hard to resist—plus, it’s incredibly simple to make.

The dish shows thin round slices of orange layered all over a white plate, with thin pale purple onion slices scattered on top. Bright green mint leaves and shiny red pomegranate seeds are spread evenly over the orange and onion layers. There is a light sprinkle of reddish spice dusted over the slices. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. The colors are fresh and vibrant, with orange, green, red, and purple creating a lively mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Orange and Pomegranate Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mediterranean Orange and Pomegranate Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Orange and Pomegranate Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This salad is like a little burst of sunshine on your plate, and I love how quickly it comes together. It feels fancy enough for guests but is a breeze on a busy weekday—you'll quickly see why I keep coming back to it.

Bright and fresh flavors: The sweet oranges, tart pomegranate, and fresh mint make this salad a refreshing delight that wakes up your taste buds.
Easiest prep ever: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal chopping, you can whip this up in under 20 minutes.
Beautiful, vibrant colors: This salad is an eye feast, making it perfect for entertaining or just feeling fancy at home.
Versatile and customizable: Whether you want to add some nuts, switch up the herbs, or tweak the dressing, this recipe lets you make it your own easily.

The dish shows many layers of thin orange slices, each sprinkled lightly with red powder. On top of the orange slices, there are thin rings of purple onion spread evenly. Bright red pomegranate seeds are scattered across the whole dish, along with fresh green mint leaves that add a burst of color. The textures are smooth and glossy from the fruits with slight roughness from the mint leaves on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic really happens when each ingredient brings its own character—juicy sweetness from the oranges, a little crunch and pop from the pomegranate seeds, and fresh brightness from mint. Every element has a role, making the salad balanced and bursting with flavor.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of thinly sliced red onion, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chopped fresh mint leaves, six peeled and sliced rounds of bright orange Navel oranges arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright red pomegranate seeds, a whole fresh lime halved to show juicy interior, a small white ceramic bowl with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with amber honey, a small white ceramic bowl with translucent orange blossom water, and three small white ceramic bowls each holding a pinch of kosher salt, sweet paprika, and ground cinnamon, all perfectly balanced and symmetrically placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Red onion: Soaking sliced onions in ice water softens their sharpness and adds crunch without overpowering the salad.
Fresh mint leaves: Mint adds that refreshing herbal note that lifts the fruitiness of the oranges and pomegranates.
Navel oranges: Choose ripe, sweet oranges for juicy slices that are the star of this salad.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors subtly.
Sweet paprika: This spice adds a warm, smoky undertone that complements the fruit beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: A dash brings gentle warmth and earthiness to the mix.
Pomegranate: Fresh seeds add a burst of tartness and gorgeous color contrast.
Lime juice: Offers a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness from oranges and honey.
Extra virgin olive oil: The oil helps bring the dressing together with a smooth, fruity texture.
Honey: Just enough sweetness to round out all the tart and tangy flavors.
Orange blossom water (optional): I love adding this for a subtle floral aroma that makes the salad feel extra special.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this salad is—you can make it your own really easily. Sometimes I swap mint for basil or add toasted nuts for crunch. It’s a great base recipe to experiment with whatever fresh flavors you have on hand.

Add some crunch: I often toss in toasted walnuts or pistachios when I want a little extra texture—and they pair so well with the citrus and pomegranate.
Change up the herbs: Fresh basil or cilantro can be fun alternatives to mint, giving each batch a new personality.
Add cheese: For a creamier twist, crumbled feta or goat cheese work wonders and balance the fruit’s sweetness beautifully.
Spice it up: If you like a little kick, a tiny pinch of cayenne or chili flakes can make this salad extra exciting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Orange and Pomegranate Salad Recipe

Step 1: Soften the onions with care

Thinly slice the red onion and drop them into a bowl of ice water. Let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes. This little trick mellows out the onion’s sharp bite while keeping the slices crisp. When ready, drain and pat them completely dry so your salad doesn’t get soggy.

Step 2: Whip up a bright, balanced dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and if you’re feeling fancy, a splash of orange blossom water. This dressing is sweet, tangy, and floral—perfectly complimenting the fruit without overpowering it. Set it aside while you prep the rest.

Step 3: Layer your flavorful ingredients

Grab a pretty serving platter and sprinkle half your chopped mint leaves on the base. Arrange the orange slices evenly on top, then scatter the softened onions over them. Season with a pinch of kosher salt, sweet paprika, and warm ground cinnamon. Finally, sprinkle the juicy pomegranate seeds all over—the color pop always makes me smile here.

Step 4: Dress and rest a moment

Drizzle the dressing over the salad according to your taste—you can add more or less depending on how zingy you want it. Top with the remaining fresh mint leaves for that final fresh hit. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to mingle beautifully.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned these little tips make a big difference when putting together the Mediterranean Orange and Pomegranate Salad Recipe. They help the salad reach its full delicious potential—trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

Ice water soak for onions: Don’t skip this step—it tames the onions so nicely without losing their crunch.
Dry your onion slices well: Excess moisture can water down the salad and make it soggy, so a full dry-off is essential.
Adjust the dressing last: Taste as you go when drizzling the dressing; it’s easier to add more than fix a salad that’s too tangy.
Wait before serving: Letting the salad rest for a few minutes allows the spices and citrus to blend, boosting the flavor.

How to Serve Mediterranean Orange and Pomegranate Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Orange and Pomegranate Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with extra fresh mint leaves on top because they add such a beautiful fragrance and pop of green. Sometimes, I sprinkle a handful of toasted pine nuts for a little crunch and nuttiness that pairs so well with the citrus flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish for a light summer meal. I've also served it alongside a mezze spread with hummus, olives, and warm pita bread to really highlight the Mediterranean vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this salad in individual clear bowls or glasses so the vibrant layers really shine. It’s also stunning arranged on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and edible flowers for a party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible, to prevent the salad from getting soggy, then toss it all together right before serving again.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh—freezing isn’t really ideal because the oranges and pomegranate seeds lose their texture and freshness once thawed.

Reheating

No need to reheat this salad since it’s meant to be served chilled. Just give it a gentle toss and bring it to room temperature for about 10 minutes if it's been in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute other citrus fruits for the oranges?

Absolutely! While Navel oranges are lovely for their sweetness and size, you can swap in blood oranges, cara cara oranges, or even grapefruit for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. Just be mindful of the tartness level and adjust the honey in the dressing accordingly.

What’s the best way to seed a pomegranate for this salad?

I like to cut the pomegranate in half and gently tap the back with a wooden spoon over a bowl to release the seeds (arils). Alternatively, you can score and break sections apart under water to avoid the juice splattering. Fresh seeds make such a difference in flavor and texture!

Is orange blossom water necessary?

No, the orange blossom water is optional and mainly adds a floral aroma that’s lovely but not essential. If you don’t have it, the salad will still taste fantastic with just the lime, honey, and olive oil dressing.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare most of the salad components ahead of time, such as peeling and slicing the oranges and seeding the pomegranate. Keep the dressing separate and slice the onions soaking in ice water until ready to assemble to maintain freshness and texture. Dress the salad just before serving for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Mediterranean Orange and Pomegranate Salad Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want something that feels fresh, bright, and just a bit exotic without fuss. I hope when you make it, you enjoy the same burst of flavor and joy I get each time. Think of it as a little celebration of simple ingredients coming together beautifully—give it a try and share it with someone you love!