Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a surprisingly delightful Italian salad that breaks all the traditional rules! This unexpected combination of sweet oranges, sharp red onions, and rich black olives creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched streets of Italy. If you're tired of boring salads that put you to sleep, get ready for a culinary adventure that will wake up every single one of your taste buds and leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges, peeled and sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the oranges. Take 2 large oranges, peel them carefully using a sharp knife, and slice them into thin rounds. Remove any seeds that may be present.
- Next, prepare the red onion. Peel the onion and cut it in half. Place the flat side on the cutting board and slice it thinly into half-moons. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced oranges and the thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss them together to mix the flavors without breaking the orange slices.
- Add the 1/4 cup of pitted black olives to the bowl. You can use Kalamata or any other variety of black olives you prefer. Gently fold them into the salad mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. This will create a simple dressing for the salad.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing over the salad mixture. Use a large spoon to gently toss everything together until the oranges, onions, and olives are well coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt to taste. Start with a pinch and adjust according to your preference. Remember that the olives may already add some saltiness to the dish.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Serve the Italian Orange and Onion Salad on a large platter or individual plates. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be refrigerated for a short time if needed.
Tips
- Choose the Right Oranges: Select ripe, juicy oranges with thin skin for the best flavor and easiest peeling. Navel or Valencia oranges work perfectly.
- Onion Preparation Hack: Soak the thinly sliced red onions in cold water for 5 minutes before adding them to the salad. This reduces their sharp bite and makes them more palatable.
- Dressing Secret: For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of dried oregano or fresh chopped basil to your olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.
- Serving Suggestion: This salad is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop and mingle.
- Make-Ahead Tip: While best fresh, you can prepare the ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep the texture crisp and vibrant.
- Optional Enhancements: For added complexity, consider sprinkling some crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
