Zesty Orange Salad with Spiced Pecan Crunch and Cranberry Drizzle
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Zesty Orange Salad, featuring succulent orange slices layered with a spiced pecan crunch and a luscious cranberry drizzle. The sweetness of honey and dried cranberries melds beautifully with the tangy zest of cranberry juice, creating a refreshing salad that is perfect for any occasion. Serve this delightful dish chilled for a refreshing burst of flavor that will brighten your meal and impress your guests. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a light, wholesome dessert.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Honey
6 tablespoons (none)
Water
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Ground Allspice
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground Ginger
1/4 teaspoon (generous) (none)
Pecan Halves and Pieces
1 cup (none)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
Cranberry Juice Cocktail
3/4 cup (none)
Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
Oranges
8 (Peel and remove white pith; slice into 1/2-inch-thick rounds and chill)
Fresh Mint Sprigs (optional)
for garnish (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, water, ground allspice, salt, and ground ginger, whisking until well blended.
3
Add the pecan halves and pieces to the bowl, tossing them in the honey-spice mixture until they are thoroughly coated. Pour off and reserve any excess liquid.
4
Spread the coated pecans evenly on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar. Bake in the preheated oven for about 17 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
5
In a medium saucepan, mix together 3/4 cup of water, cranberry juice cocktail, and the reserved liquid from the pecans. Stir in the dried cranberries.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cranberries have softened and the liquid has thickened slightly into a syrup.
7
Once prepared, allow the cranberry sauce to cool. Note that this can be prepared up to 3 days in advance; store the nuts in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the cranberry mixture until ready to use.
8
To assemble the salad, arrange the chilled orange slices beautifully on a serving platter. Drizzle the cranberry mixture generously over the oranges and finish by sprinkling the spiced pecans on top. If desired, garnish with fresh mint sprigs for an added touch of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors of the Zesty Orange Salad?
The salad features succulent orange slices combined with sweet honey, tangy cranberry juice, and warm spices like allspice and ginger.
How many oranges are required for this recipe?
You will need 8 oranges, peeled and sliced into half-inch rounds.
What temperature should the oven be for the pecans?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
How long do the spiced pecans need to bake?
Bake the pecans for about 17 minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Can I make the cranberry sauce in advance?
Yes, the cranberry mixture can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.
How should the spiced pecans be stored?
Store the cooled spiced pecans in an airtight container at room temperature.
What spices are used to coat the pecans?
The pecans are coated with ground allspice, salt, and a generous amount of ground ginger.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is gluten-free.
Is this recipe vegan?
The recipe is tagged as vegan, though it contains honey which some vegans may choose to substitute.
How do I prepare the oranges for the salad?
Peel the oranges, remove the white pith, slice them into 1/2-inch-thick rounds, and chill them before serving.
What ingredients make up the cranberry drizzle?
The drizzle is made from water, cranberry juice cocktail, dried cranberries, and the reserved honey-spice liquid.
How long should the cranberry mixture simmer?
Simmer the mixture for approximately 20 minutes until the cranberries soften and the liquid thickens into a syrup.
Should the orange slices be served warm or cold?
The orange slices should be served chilled for a refreshing burst of flavor.
What can I use as a garnish?
Fresh mint sprigs are recommended as an optional garnish for added color and flavor.
What type of pecans should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of pecan halves and pieces.
How do I prevent the pecans from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper before spreading the pecans.
How much honey is used in the pecan mixture?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of honey.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It can be served as a refreshing salad for holiday gatherings or as a light, wholesome dessert.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the optional garnish.
What is the texture of the cranberry drizzle?
The drizzle should be a slightly thickened syrup with softened dried cranberries.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried cranberries?
This recipe specifically uses 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included in the honey-spice mixture for the pecans.
What type of juice is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of cranberry juice cocktail.
How much sugar is sprinkled on the pecans?
Use 2 teaspoons of sugar to sprinkle over the pecans before baking.
What is the first step in assembling the salad?
Arrange the chilled orange slices beautifully on a serving platter.
What is the role of allspice in this recipe?
Allspice provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the spiced pecan crunch.
Should I discard the liquid left over from coating the pecans?
No, you should reserve any excess liquid to include in the cranberry sauce mixture.
Can I use ground ginger?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon (generous) of ground ginger.
How much water is used in the cranberry sauce?
The sauce requires 3/4 cup of water plus the reserved pecan liquid.
Is this a heavy or light dish?
It is described as a light, refreshing, and wholesome dish.