Ditch the limp lettuce and prepare for a taste bud tango with this vibrant Moroccan-inspired Orange & Date Salad. It's so good, you'll forget you're even being healthy! This isn't your average rabbit food. Imagine juicy slices of sweet orange, mingling with the chewy goodness of dates. Picture this: a sprinkle of crunchy, toasted almonds adding a nutty counterpoint to the sweetness. Seriously, it's like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
So, how do you make this sunshine-in-a-bowl, you ask? It’s ridiculously easy! Just peel and segment a few oranges (blood oranges if you're feeling fancy!), pit and chop some dates, and toast some almonds. Toss it all together with a light vinaigrette (a squeeze of orange juice and a drizzle of olive oil works wonders!), and boom! You've got a Moroccan food masterpiece that's way more exciting than your last Tinder date.
This Orange & Date Salad is perfect as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even a surprisingly sophisticated dessert. Go ahead, give it a try. You might just find yourself saying, "Orange you glad I did?" (I know, I’m hilarious.)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
3 large thin skinned oranges, peeled and pith removed
juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon of sugar
pinch of salt
2 handful of fresh arugula/rocket leaves
1 handful of fresh spinach leaves
50g fresh dates (weighed after they are stoned), chopped
25g blanched almonds
ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Cut out the orange flesh from between the segment membranes, retaining the juice.
2. Mix the retained orange juice with the lemon juice, sugar and salt.
3. Tear the lettuce leaves into pieces and carefully toss with the orange segments. Spoon into a bowl and pour over the dressing.
4. Scatter the dates and almonds over the salad and then sprinkle with a little ground cinnamon. Serve at once.