Dried apricots bring a unique balance of sweetness, chewiness, and vibrant colour to salads, making them a perfect ingredient for anyone looking to elevate their everyday meals. In the UK, where fresh produce changes with the seasons, dried fruits provide a consistent, year-round way to add flavour and nutrition. Whether you prefer a light lunch, a dinner side, or a show-stopping dish for entertaining, dried apricots can be the highlight of your salad bowl.
In this article, we’ll explore flavour pairings, preparation tips, and a selection of creative salad ideas that celebrate dried apricots.
Why Dried Apricots Work So Well in Salads
Dried apricots are naturally sweet but also slightly tangy, which makes them ideal for balancing salty cheeses, earthy grains, peppery greens, and zesty dressings. Their chewy texture adds contrast to crisp vegetables and crunchy nuts, making every bite interesting.
Nutritionally, dried apricots are a good source of dietary fibre, potassium, and iron. They also contain antioxidants like beta-carotene, supporting overall wellness while enhancing the taste of your dish.
How to Prepare Dried Apricots for Salads
While you can add dried apricots straight from the packet, a few preparation tips can make them even better in salads:
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Slice into Strips or Cubes – This helps them blend evenly with other salad ingredients.
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Rehydrate for Softer Texture – Soak in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then drain. This plumps them up and makes them juicier.
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Marinate for Flavour – Soak in citrus juice or balsamic vinegar for an extra flavour punch.
Salad Ideas Featuring Dried Apricots
Here are some creative combinations that showcase the versatility of dried apricots.
1. Moroccan-Inspired Couscous Salad
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Ingredients: Wholewheat couscous, chopped dried apricots, toasted almonds, chopped fresh mint, parsley, chickpeas, and spring onions.
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Dressing: Olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, and a pinch of cinnamon.
This hearty salad is perfect for lunchboxes or picnics. The apricots complement the spices beautifully, offering a sweet counterpoint to the earthy chickpeas and aromatic herbs.
2. Spinach, Goat’s Cheese, and Apricot Salad
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Ingredients: Baby spinach leaves, sliced dried apricots, crumbled goat’s cheese, walnuts, and red onion.
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Dressing: Balsamic vinaigrette with a touch of honey.
This combination balances creamy, tangy cheese with the natural sweetness of apricots. The walnuts add crunch, making it satisfying enough as a standalone meal.
3. Roasted Butternut Squash and Apricot Grain Salad
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Ingredients: Roasted butternut squash cubes, pearl barley, dried apricots, pumpkin seeds, rocket leaves, and pomegranate seeds.
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Dressing: Tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
A warm, hearty option for autumn and winter, this salad delivers depth and richness, with the apricots lifting the savoury flavours.
4. Middle Eastern Tabbouleh with Apricots
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Ingredients: Bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced dried apricots.
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Dressing: Extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt.
A twist on the classic tabbouleh, this version offers a sweet surprise in every mouthful, while remaining light and refreshing.
5. Carrot, Apricot, and Pistachio Slaw
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Ingredients: Shredded carrots, chopped dried apricots, shelled pistachios, fresh coriander, and spring onions.
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Dressing: Greek yoghurt, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of ground coriander.
Crunchy, colourful, and full of texture, this salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats or a vegetarian mezze spread.
Flavour Pairings to Try
Dried apricots are remarkably versatile. Here are some complementary flavours to consider:
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Cheeses: Feta, halloumi, goat’s cheese, blue cheese
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Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds
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Grains: Quinoa, couscous, bulgur wheat, farro
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Greens: Rocket, spinach, watercress, lamb’s lettuce
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Dressings: Citrus-based, balsamic, honey mustard, yoghurt-based
Tips for Success
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Balance Sweetness – If your salad includes other sweet elements, add something salty or tangy to keep flavours balanced.
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Think Colour – The warm orange of dried apricots pairs well with vibrant greens, deep purples, and reds for visual appeal.
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Mind the Texture – Combine chewy apricots with crisp veg and crunchy nuts for maximum satisfaction.
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Serve at the Right Temperature – Many apricot-based salads taste best at room temperature, allowing flavours to meld.
Storing and Serving
If you’re preparing a salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess. Dried apricots store well in airtight containers for months, so keeping a supply in your pantry means you can whip up a creative salad any time.
Final Thoughts
Creative salads featuring dried apricots offer a perfect balance of flavour, texture, and nutrition. Whether paired with grains, leafy greens, or roasted vegetables, they bring a burst of sweetness that transforms simple ingredients into something memorable. For UK home cooks, they’re a reliable way to add colour and variety to meals year-round.
With these ideas and tips, your next salad could be the one that turns dried apricots into your favourite pantry staple.