Using a sharp knife, cut the top and bottom off the oranges to expose the flesh. Stand the orange upright, cut away the peel, following the contours of the orange and removing all white pith along with the peel. Trim off any bits of white left on the orange.
When all the oranges are peeled, slice them crosswise into approximately 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Put the orange rounds and any collected juices in a shallow bowl or deep-dish pie plate. Pour the honey over the sliced oranges and gently toss with a rubber spatula to coat. Set aside in a cool spot (or the refrigerator if you like) for 1 hour.
Just before serving: Finely grate the lemon zest from the whole lemon; set aside. Arrange the orange slices on a large, shallow serving dish or deep platter, or individual serving plates.
To serve: Squeeze the lemon juice over each serving and then drizzle with the olive oil. Scatter the lemon zest and herbs over the top of each salad, and serve.
For individually plated salads: Pour about 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice on each plate. Drizzle with the olive oil. Scatter the lemon zest and herbs over the top of each plated salad, and serve.
For a platter presentation: Pour 2 tablespoons of juice onto the entire salad platter. Spoon the accumulated orange juice onto the plates or platter. Drizzle with the olive oil. Scatter the lemon zest and herbs over the top, and serve.
Variation Idea: Layer the orange slices with slices of ripe tomato and sprinkle the whole dish with Fleur de sel or sea salt.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
* If desired, you could substitute blood oranges in this recipe.
** Use a light-tasting liquid honey, such as clover or orange blossom
*** Vary the herb garnish according to how you plan to serve the salad. Basil is best when it is a first course or salad, while mint suits as an intermezzo or dessert.
Provencal Orange and Honey Salad Recipe: https://whatscookingamerica.net/salad/orangehoneysalad.htm