Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta
A refreshing citrus salad of juicy orange segments, crunchy pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium navel oranges, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 medium navel oranges
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel 3 medium navel oranges, removing all white pith, then slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange overlapping on a large shallow plate.
- Step 2: Sprinkle 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds evenly over the orange slices to add a burst of juicy crunch.
- Step 3: Crumble 1/2 cup feta cheese uniformly on top to introduce a creamy, salty contrast.
- Step 4: Chop 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves finely and scatter over the salad for a refreshing herbal note.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 6: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad, ensuring each bite will have balanced sweetness and acidity.
- Step 7: Let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium navel oranges from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.