Winter Gypsy Salad

I have been dreaming of this salad for a few days now.  Although the farmers markets still have great produce, I start to really look forward to the citrus fruits that come into season in December.  Cara cara oranges, tangerines, pomelos, grapefruits, blood oranges, navel oranges, clementines, limes- these are wonderful fruits that not only boost our immunity, but are refreshing and beautiful.  They are also really versatile, as they are sweet and sour at the same time, and can go with so many other ingredients.  Oranges and carrots, oranges and olives, oranges and chocolate, oranges and duck, pomelos and fish, etc. The list goes on.  I started thinking about a salad that combined oranges with dates and olives together, in a style reminscent of Moroccan cooking.  But then I went to the market and found blood oranges and fennel, which is another great pair.  The urge to add a bit of chile pepper hit me, and I decided to go with the rather mild jalapeno.  But why stop there? Why not add the creamy flesh of an avocado that makes everything a bit more rich?  While at the market, I also found kaffir limes, which I had never bought before.  Hmmm, why not try those out as well?  Nothing seemed to clash together in my mind, so I just went with it.  Parsley and mint made their way in their of course, as I love herbs in salad.  This salad is truly a gypsy in its whimsical, traveling nature, and I love every bite of it.  The sweetness of the dates and orange, the spiciness of the chile pepper, the saltiness of the olives, and the sourness of the lime juice leave no taste bud untouched.  I was left wanting to put pomegranate seeds in it as well, as I think those would work beautifully, as well as a touch of pomegranate molasses in the dressing. The only pomegranates I found were too expensive, though, so I left them out.  I just ate this by itself, but tonight I am going to mount it atop a piece of plain grilled fish seasoned with salt, cumin, and coriander.  I can't wait for more citrus to come into season and have more fun with their fresh, clean flavors.  I hope that you all try this salad as well.  My only request is that you add to it, take away from it, and make it your own rendition of where you have been and where you are going. 

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Winter Gypsy Salad