Back when I lived with my parents, weekends meant one thing: the fruit basket surprise! Every Saturday morning, my father would return from the market with a basket overflowing with all kinds of delicious fruits. 

Now, it seems I’ve inherited my dad’s fruit-buying enthusiasm, but perhaps in an exaggerated way. You see, I have this tendency to get overly excited when faced with an array of fresh fruits. The result? I end up with an insane amount that could rival the fruit section of a supermarket. I mean, who needs that many fruits? Me, apparently…

That’s actually how this Blood Orange & Feta salad came about. With an impending fruit-pocalypse on my hands, I had to act fast to rescue those beautiful blood oranges from their inevitable demise. It was time to put my creative culinary skills to the test and whip up a vibrant and delicious salad.

And who would have thought that a humble fruit could transform a basic salad into a burst of flavors and textures? It’s like the blood oranges waved their fruity wands and sprinkled their citrusy magic all over the dish.

So, my dear friends, let this be a lesson in embracing the excitement of fresh produce and unleashing your creativity in the kitchen. Don’t let those fruits go to waste! Instead, let them elevate your meals, add a pop of color to your plate, and impress your taste buds with their juicy goodness. Trust me, this Blood Orange & Feta salad is the ultimate proof that a little fruit can go a long way in making your taste buds do a happy dance.

How does this salad taste?

The combination of blood oranges, red onion, apple, and feta cheese creates a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The juicy sweetness of the blood oranges pairs perfectly with the salty tang of the feta cheese.

In case you haven’t tried it yet, the corn salad is also quite sweet and has a subtle earthy flavor that completes this salad perfectly! Mint gives a refreshing dimension and the pistachios give a nutty flavor that makes this salad a refreshing masterpiece that will leave you craving for more.

Why should you make this recipe?

• You want to get out of your comfort zone and try something new and absolutely delicious!
• It’s super easy to prepare and so fun since you get to use all kinds of colorful ingredients.
• It’s a feast for the eyes – the vibrant colors of this salad will have you excited to eat healthily!
• It’s a great way to get some extra nutrients in your diet while not compromising on flavor.

Ingredients

Blood orange – The blood orange is the star of this salad, making it super fresh and adding a balanced sweetness. If you don’t have blood oranges, you can use oranges or even clementines instead. 

Red onion – Red onion adds a sharp and savory flavor that balances out the sweetness of the blood orange. If you like a milder taste, you can substitute the red onion for spring onion.

Apple – Though the salad wasn’t lacking any sweet notes thanks to the blood oranges, it was in desperate need of some crunch. The apple adds a crunchy texture and a subtle sweetness to the salad.

Feta cheese – Creamy and tangy, feta cheese adds a savory and salty element that complements the citrus flavors beautifully.

Corn salad  – Ever since I first tried corn salad, I completely fell in love with it! This salad is so delicious, having a nutty flavor and a subtle sweetness. If you don’t like corn salad, you can use spinach instead.

Mint – A delicious addition that makes this salad so refreshing and aromatic!

Pistachio – Pistachios add a nutty crunch that elevates this salad. It can be replaced with walnuts if desired. 

Honey mustard dressing – The honey mustard dressing is a delicious and easy homemade dressing that ties all the flavors together.

Tips for recipe success

• Preparing the honey mustard dressing just before serving will help maintain its freshness. If you do make it in advance, make sure to refrigerate it in an airtight container.
• When slicing the blood oranges, make sure to remove the white parts to avoid any bitterness in your salad.
• Use fresh and fragrant mint leaves for an aromatic twist. Gently tear the leaves or chop them just before incorporating them into the salad to preserve their flavor.
• For an extra boost of flavor, roast the pistachios briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat to enhance their nuttiness and bring out their crunch. Allow them to cool before adding them to the salad to prevent wilting of the other ingredients.