Name: Winter Citrus Salad With Orange, Dates, & Olives Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 blood oranges; 3 Cara Cara oranges; 1 lemon; 1 shallot; Medjool dates; Pistachios; Castelvetrano olives; Sheep’s milk cheese (about 1/4 cup, shaved); Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons); Flaky sea salt (to taste)

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 23 reviews

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that perfectly captures the cozy, invigorating spirit of the season, this Winter Citrus Salad With Orange, Dates, & Olives is an absolute must-try. It’s a dazzling medley of bright, juicy blood and Cara Cara oranges combined with the sweet chewiness of Medjool dates and the subtle briny punch of Castelvetrano olives. This salad offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors — from creamy sheep’s milk cheese to crunchy pistachios, all tied together with a hint of lemon and extra virgin olive oil. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s just as perfect for a casual lunch as it is for holiday entertaining.

Winter Citrus Salad With Orange, Dates, & Olives Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Winter Citrus Salad With Orange, Dates, & Olives lies in its straightforward, carefully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, offering contrasting textures and vibrant color to your plate.

Blood oranges: Rich in deep color with a sweet-tart flavor, they bring a dramatic visual and juicy burst.
Cara Cara oranges: Their pinkish flesh adds extra sweetness and a mellow, almost berry-like nuance.
Shallot: Thinly sliced for a delicate crunch and mild onion flavor that lifts the salad.
Castelvetrano olives: Known for their buttery texture and mild, fruity taste, they add a subtle briny contrast.
Medjool dates: Soft and caramel-sweet, they provide a delectable chewiness that balances the citrus.
Sheep’s milk cheese: Shaved thinly, it contributes creamy richness and a slight tang.
Pistachios: Their vibrant green hue and crunchy texture add a festive touch.
Extra virgin olive oil: A fruity drizzle that smooths all the flavors together.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens and intensifies the citrus notes.
Flaky salt: A final seasoning to enhance every element’s natural flavor.

How to Make Winter Citrus Salad With Orange, Dates, & Olives

Step 1: Prepare the Oranges

Start by carefully peeling all the oranges to remove the pith without wasting the beautiful flesh underneath. Using a sharp knife, slice two blood oranges and two Cara Cara oranges into quarter-inch-thick rounds — these will create a stunning layered base. For the remaining oranges, remove each segment individually by cutting in between the membranes, which adds visual appeal and bursts of citrus flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Slice the Shallot and Chop the Olives and Dates

Halve the shallot and use a mandolin to slice it into feathery, delicate strips that add just the right onion note without overpowering the salad. Smash the Castelvetrano olives gently with the back of your knife to remove pits and then roughly chop them, lending a buttery saltiness. Pit the Medjool dates, slice them in halves, and then further into thirds or quarters vertically to match the salad’s size and texture mix.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Arrange the citrus rounds in a neatly overlapping fashion on your serving plate for a colorful carnivale of red and pink. Scatter the sliced shallots, chopped olives, and luscious dates evenly over the top. Sprinkle the vibrant pistachios to add crunch and color contrast.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese, Oil, and Seasoning

Using a vegetable peeler, shave the sheep’s milk cheese thinly over the salad—its creamy texture and rich flavor will harmonize with the fruit and olives. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously across the top and finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt to awaken all the vibrant flavors.

How to Serve Winter Citrus Salad With Orange, Dates, & Olives

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, add fresh herb sprigs like mint or thyme to complement the citrus and add fresh aroma. A little extra sprinkle of pistachios or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also elevate the salad’s flavor profile perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Winter Citrus Salad With Orange, Dates, & Olives pairs beautifully with roasted meats like duck or chicken thanks to its zesty sweetness and savory accents. It also shines alongside grain bowls or warm, crusty bread, adding freshness and a pop of color to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try building individual salad cups layered with cheese and pistachios for a stunning appetizer presentation. Alternatively, use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant citrus slices, making it the centerpiece of your table. Adding edible flowers can turn this salad into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Winter Citrus Salad With Orange, Dates, & Olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Since the citrus can start releasing juice, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but the robust textures of olives and dates hold up well. Keep cheese and pistachios separate until serving to maintain their perfect texture.

Freezing

Because of the fresh citrus and delicate textures, this salad does not freeze well. The fruit will turn mushy and olives lose their texture. For the best experience, enjoy this salad fresh or chilled without freezing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as the citrus and dates will lose their freshness and the cheese may alter in texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of oranges in this salad?

Absolutely! While blood and Cara Cara oranges bring unique flavors and colors, navel oranges or Valencia oranges can also work well, though the flavor profile may be milder and less striking.

What can I substitute for sheep’s milk cheese?

If you can’t find sheep’s milk cheese, a tangy goat cheese or a creamy feta can make a great alternative, maintaining that luscious creamy note that complements the citrus.

Are the olives essential in this salad?

The olives add a critical balance of briny richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the dates and oranges. If you’re not a fan, try a small amount of capers or even roasted nuts for a different kind of savory kick.

How do I pit and slice Medjool dates properly?

Simply slice the date lengthwise and remove the pit with the tip of your knife. Then slice the date halves vertically into thirds or quarters to ensure the pieces are bite-sized but still retain chewiness.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the sheep’s milk cheese or swap it for a plant-based cheese alternative or toasted nuts to maintain texture and richness.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Citrus Salad With Orange, Dates, & Olives is truly one of those magical dishes that can brighten up any meal or occasion. It’s effortless to prepare but impressively layered with colors, textures, and fresh flavors that celebrate winter produce beautifully. Trust me, once you try this salad, it will become a cherished favorite you’ll want to revisit year after year. Go ahead and bring this vibrant bowl of sunshine to your table—you won’t regret it!