Imagine transporting yourself to the sun-drenched landscapes of Sicily with just one bite of this extraordinary Winter Sicilian Orange Salad. This vibrant dish is not just a recipe; it's a Mediterranean escape on a plate that promises to awaken your senses and chase away the winter blues. Bursting with bright citrus flavors, crisp textures, and a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, this salad is a culinary masterpiece that proves simple can be absolutely extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Sicilian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 large oranges, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Carefully wash and prepare the oranges by removing all peel and white pith, ensuring clean, smooth citrus segments without membrane.
- Using a sharp knife, slice oranges into thin, uniform circular or half-moon shaped pieces, placing them gently on a serving platter.
- Thinly slice the red onion using a mandoline or sharp knife, creating delicate, translucent rings that will complement the orange slices.
- Drain and slice the black olives into thin rounds, distributing them evenly across the orange slices.
- Drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad, ensuring each orange slice gets a light coating.
- Season the salad with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Gently tear fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them over the salad as a fragrant garnish.
- Allow the salad to rest for 5 minutes at room temperature to let flavors meld together before serving.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing winter appetizer or light side dish, enjoying the vibrant colors and bright Mediterranean flavors.
Tips
- Orange Selection: Choose ripe, firm oranges with smooth, unblemished skin for the best flavor and presentation.
- Peeling Technique: Take your time when removing the pith and membrane. A sharp, small paring knife works best to create clean, smooth citrus segments.
- Onion Preparation: Soak thinly sliced red onions in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce their sharp bite and crisp them up.
- Olive Oil Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the salad's authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Serving Temperature: Serve at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- Garnish Freshness: Add mint leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and aromatic quality.
- Make Ahead: While best served fresh, you can prepare ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
