Orange Lettuce & Walnut Salad (Shlada Bellech)

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Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A fragrant Moroccan-inspired salad with sweet oranges, crisp lettuce, and toasted walnuts.
Orange Lettuce & Walnut Salad (Shlada Bellech recipe image
Orange Lettuce & Walnut Salad (Shlada Bellech recipe image
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Orange Lettuce & Walnut Salad (Shlada Bellech)

Author: chefs-mate Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 386.0

Description

This vibrant Shlada Bellech is a refreshing Moroccan classic that balances the crisp texture of romaine lettuce with the sweet, juicy segments of Temple oranges. The dressing is a unique blend of fresh lemon juice, sugar, salt, and aromatic orange flower water, creating a bright and floral profile that coats every leaf. Chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch and earthy depth, while a light dusting of cinnamon ties the flavors together. Perfect as a light lunch, a picnic side, or an elegant starter for a Mediterranean feast, this salad is easy to assemble and bursts with fresh, seasonal flavor.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Wash the romaine lettuce and separate the leaves, discarding any tough outer ones.
  2. Dry the lettuce thoroughly by wrapping it in paper towels or using a salad spinner.
  3. Peel the oranges, removing the zest and pith.
  4. Using a small sharp knife, cut along both sides of each orange segment to release it into a bowl, discarding the membranes.
  5. Collect any extra orange juice squeezed from the segments during this process.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, sugar, salt, cinnamon, orange flower water, and 2 tablespoons of the collected orange juice until the sugar dissolves.
  7. Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  8. Just before serving, shred or tear the dried lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large serving bowl.
  9. Pour the dressing over the lettuce and toss gently to coat evenly.
  10. Arrange the orange segments artfully on top of the dressed lettuce.
  11. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the salad and dust lightly with additional cinnamon.
  12. Serve immediately while the lettuce is still crisp.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 386.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 29.7g46%
Saturated Fat 2.8g14%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 975mg41%
Total Carbohydrate 28.5g10%
Dietary Fiber 7.2g29%
Sugars 17.1g
Protein 9.7g20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Variation: Replace the chopped walnuts with 3/4 cup of chopped dates and almonds for a different texture and flavor profile.

Storage: This salad is best served immediately after dressing. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing, lettuce, and orange segments separate until ready to serve to prevent wilting.

Ingredient Tip: Orange flower water is potent; start with the suggested amount and add more sparingly if you prefer a stronger floral aroma.

Source: Adapted from "Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco" by Paula Wolfert.

Keywords: moroccan, salad, orange, walnut, romaine, lettuce, shlada, bellech, citrus, vegan, fresh, healthy, side dish, cinnamon, orange flower water, lemon, light, vegetarian, appetizer, lunch
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