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This bright and juicy fruit salad is the perfect pick me up when you want something light yet satisfying. The combination of sweet oranges tangy grapefruit and ruby pomegranate arils creates a burst of fresh flavor with every spoonful while the natural juices form a beautiful magenta syrup.
I first made this after a big holiday meal when I needed something refreshing and clean. Since then it has been my go to brunch dish that always disappears fast.
Ingredients
- Pomegranate: provides juicy tart sweetness and stunning color choose one that feels heavy for its size and has smooth unblemished skin or use pre packed arils for convenience
- Navel oranges: add a bright sweetness and tender texture pick firm fruit with vibrant skin and no soft spots
- Pink grapefruits: bring tang and complexity select ones with a slight give when pressed and a fragrant citrus aroma
- Sugar: optional to balance tartness only add if fruit is especially tangy
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pomegranate:
- Place the pomegranate on a surface that will not stain. Starting from the crown cut a cross halfway down. Hold it over a large bowl in the sink and break into quarters. Squeeze each quarter firmly to release seeds and juice then bend back to release more seeds. Remove all visible white membrane pieces to keep the salad clean and flavorful.
- Segment the citrus fruits:
- Slice a thin piece off the top and bottom of each orange and grapefruit so they sit flat. Using a sharp knife remove all skin and pith. Working over the bowl cut segments from between the membranes letting the juice fall into the bowl. Squeeze the remaining membranes to extract every drop of juice.
- Adjust sweetness and chill:
- Taste the mixture and add sugar only if necessary. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
- Serve:
- Spoon the fruit and juices into bowls so every serving includes some of the vibrant syrup.
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The pomegranate is my favorite part of this salad. I remember cracking one open on a snowy winter afternoon and the burst of color and flavor felt like instant sunshine.
Storage Tips
This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors deepen and the syrup becomes richer as it sits.
Ingredient Substitutions
Blood oranges can replace navel oranges for a deeper color and berry like sweetness. If grapefruits are too tart try cara cara oranges for a gentler flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled as a breakfast bowl with yogurt and granola or as a refreshing dessert. It also makes a bright side for savory dishes like grilled chicken or fish.
Cultural Context
Citrus fruits have been celebrated in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries bringing freshness and brightness to winter meals. This salad is a modern take on that tradition keeping ingredients simple and seasonal.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → How do I choose the best pomegranate?
Look for pomegranates that feel heavy for their size and have smooth, blemish-free skin. The weight indicates juicy arils inside, while smooth skin suggests freshness.
- → Can I use pre-packaged pomegranate arils instead?
Yes, you can substitute with about 1¾ cups of ready-to-eat pomegranate arils. However, you'll miss out on the fresh pomegranate juice that creates the beautiful magenta syrup.
- → How long does this fruit salad keep in the refrigerator?
The salad stays fresh for 2-3 days when covered and refrigerated. The natural juices continue to develop, making it even more flavorful over time.
- → Why does my cutting surface get stained?
Pomegranate juice is highly pigmented and can stain porous surfaces. Work over a stain-proof surface or use disposable plastic bags under your cutting board to protect it.
- → Is sugar necessary for this fruit salad?
Sugar is optional and should only be added if needed after tasting. The natural fruit sugars usually provide enough sweetness, especially when the fruits are ripe and in season.
- → What's the best way to serve this salad?
Serve in individual bowls so guests can enjoy spooning up the delicious natural syrup along with the fruit segments. The juice is just as delightful as the fruit itself.