Bright, refreshing, and bursting with color, this Healthy Orange Salad with Pomegranate and Mint Recipe is one of my favorite ways to bring a little sunshine to the table. It’s simple yet elegant, perfect for when you want something light but totally satisfying.

The dish shows thin round layers of orange slices arranged closely inside a white bowl. Over these, there are scattered thin slices of purple onion and bright red pomegranate seeds, adding pops of color. Fresh green mint leaves are spread evenly on top, giving a leafy texture. A light sprinkle of reddish spices dusts the oranges and onions, creating a textured look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some light fabric visible on the side. The 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 Healthy Orange Salad with Pomegranate and Mint Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Orange Salad with Pomegranate and Mint Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Orange Salad with Pomegranate and Mint Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been making this salad for years, and it never fails to steal the spotlight at my gatherings or just as a treat for myself. The combination of juicy oranges and tart pomegranate seeds with fresh mint is like a little burst of freshness with every bite.

Vibrant flavors: The sweet, citrusy oranges paired with pomegranate bring a perfect balance of bright and tangy.
Simple ingredients: You just need a handful of fresh produce and pantry staples, no fancy items required.
Quick to prepare: This salad takes less than 20 minutes to pull together—ideal for busy days.
Super healthy: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fresh herbs, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy dessert or a side dish.

The image shows a close-up of a colorful salad with three visible layers: the bottom layer consists of thin orange slices arranged in overlapping circles, displaying a bright orange color with some white pith on the edges; on top of the oranges, there are thin white and purple onion slices scattered throughout; the top layer is made up of fresh green mint leaves and juicy, glossy red pomegranate seeds that add contrast and texture, all sprinkled lightly with reddish-orange chili powder for extra color and flavor; the dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Healthy Orange Salad with Pomegranate and Mint Recipe lies in the harmony of these ingredients. The juicy Navel oranges create a juicy base, while the pomegranate seeds add crunch and a pop of tartness. Fresh mint refreshes your palate, and the pinch of cinnamon and paprika adds subtle warmth that you might not expect but will definitely appreciate.

Flat lay of thinly sliced small red onion rounds, a handful of bright green fresh mint leaves, several peeled Navel oranges sliced into rounds, a small pile of ruby red pomegranate seeds, a whole lime cut in half showing juicy flesh, a few pinches of ground sweet paprika, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt neatly arranged as small piles, 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 clear orange blossom water, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, 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 thinly sliced onions in ice water softens their sharpness—my little trick for balancing flavors without losing the crunch.
Fresh mint leaves: Adds herbal brightness; chopping releases their oils, making the salad smell amazing.
Navel oranges: Sweet and seedless, these oranges are perfect for slicing into rounds that form the salad’s colorful base.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
Sweet paprika: Offers a delicate smoky sweetness that deepens the flavor profile.
Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch brings warmth and complexity, unusual but delightful in a salad!
Pomegranate seeds: Adds juicy bursts of tartness and a bit of texture contrast.
Lime juice: Balances the sweetness and brightens the dressing.
Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a smooth mouthfeel and helps meld the dressing with the produce.
Honey: Rounds out acidity with natural sweetness, but you can adjust this to taste.
Orange blossom water (optional): A little floral magic that elevates the salad to something extra special if you have it on hand.

📝

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

One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to adapt. I often tweak the mint quantity or swap sweet paprika for a touch of chili powder to add a little heat. Feel free to make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes add toasted almonds or pistachios for extra crunch—trust me, the texture upgrade is worth it.
Dietary changes: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for most diets.
Seasonal swaps: If you can’t find pomegranate, dried cranberries or fresh raspberries work great too for that sweet-tart kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Orange Salad with Pomegranate and Mint Recipe

Step 1: Soften the onion

Start by putting those thinly sliced red onions into a bowl of ice water. Let them chill out for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This trick softens their bite and mellows their sharp flavor so they don’t overpower the salad. Be sure to dry them well before assembling the salad, or your dressing will get watery.

Step 2: Whip up the dressing

While your onions are chilling, mix together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, and if you have it, a splash of orange blossom water. This dressing is light but full of flavor — the perfect complement for the sweet and tart fruit.

Step 3: Arrange the salad

On a serving platter, scatter half of the chopped mint leaves. Then layer on the orange slices and softened onions. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt, sweet paprika, and cinnamon over the top—these small touches bring out the flavors beautifully. Finally, scatter the pomegranate seeds for that gorgeous jewel-like effect.

Step 4: Dress and serve

Drizzle your dressing over the salad—feel free to add as much or as little as you like. Top it off with the remaining fresh mint leaves for a final pop of color and fragrance. I like to let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving, so all the flavors get to mingle.

Top Tip

Over the years playing around with this salad, I’ve picked up a few insider tips to really make it shine. These little tricks helped me get dependable results that wow my friends and family every time.

Onion soaking: Don’t skip the ice water bath for your onions—this simple step tames their sharpness without losing crunch.
Peeling oranges: I find that peeling the oranges with a small knife and then slicing into rounds makes for prettier, uniform pieces that look gorgeous plated.
Balancing flavors: Taste your dressing as you go; adjusting the honey or lime juice just a bit can tailor the salad perfectly to your palate.
Serving wait: Letting the salad rest for a few minutes after dressing lets the flavors settle in but don’t wait too long or the salad will get soggy!

How to Serve Healthy Orange Salad with Pomegranate and Mint Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this salad with a few extra mint leaves scattered on top, plus a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios when I’m feeling fancy. It gives a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruit.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a fresh side for a healthy dinner. It’s also excellent alongside Middle Eastern dishes like falafel or hummus for a bright contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this salad in individual glasses or clear bowls so guests can admire all those vibrant layers. Another fun idea is to assemble it on a large tray and garnish with edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 1–2 days before the oranges start to lose their texture. I recommend keeping the dressing separate if you want to prep ahead of time.

Freezing

Since this salad relies on fresh fruit’s texture, I don’t recommend freezing it. The oranges and pomegranate seeds will get mushy once thawed, losing that delightful crunch and freshness.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—it’s designed to be served chilled. Just give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and mint before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of oranges for this salad?

Absolutely! While Navel oranges are ideal for their sweetness and ease of slicing, blood oranges or Cara Cara will add beautiful color and a slightly different flavor profile.

Is the orange blossom water necessary?

No, it’s optional but highly recommended if you want that delicate floral note. If you don’t have any on hand, the salad will still taste fantastic without it.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but I recommend assembling just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. You can prep the ingredients and dressing separately a few hours in advance.

What can I serve with this salad for a complete meal?

Grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a simple quinoa bowl make excellent main dishes alongside this salad, adding protein while keeping the meal light and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Orange Salad with Pomegranate and Mint Recipe is one of those rare dishes that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. It’s fresh, simple, and so easy to make that I keep returning to it season after season. I can’t recommend enough trying it at home—you might find it becoming a staple, just like I have. Enjoy every vibrant bite!