Certainly! The Orange & Onion Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light, tangy, and full of flavor without spending much time in the kitchen. Below is an in-depth exploration of this recipe, including ingredients, preparation steps, variations, nutritional insights, and some tips for perfecting this salad.
Orange & Onion Salad
Description
The Orange & Onion Salad is a beautifully balanced dish that marries the sweetness of fresh oranges with the sharpness of red onions, all tied together by a flavorful dressing. It’s a delightful combination of fruit and savory elements, making it a unique addition to any meal. This recipe, sourced from Love With Recipes, requires minimal preparation and no cooking, making it an ideal choice for a quick and healthy appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
This salad utilizes simple, fresh ingredients that are easily accessible. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- 4 Oranges – Choose sweet and juicy oranges for the best flavor. Varieties like navel or Valencia work well.
- 4 tablespoons Olive Oil – Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich, fruity flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar – This adds a tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the oranges.
- 8 Black Olives – Choose quality olives, pitted and halved, for a briny contrast.
- 1 medium Red Onion – Thinly sliced to add sharpness and a bit of crunch.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano – For a subtle herbaceous note.
- 1 tablespoon Chives – Freshly chopped, to add a mild onion flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper – For a hint of spice and to enhance the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Sugar or Substitute (Optional) – This can balance the acidity if the oranges are too tart.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 136.4
- Fat: 9.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 44.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.5g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1.1g
Preparation
Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this salad:
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Peel and Slice Oranges: Start by peeling the oranges. Carefully remove all the pith, the white membrane, as it can be bitter. Cut the peeled oranges into thick slices. Place the slices in a shallow serving dish.
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Prepare Onions: Thinly slice the red onion. If the onion is too pungent, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. Drain and pat dry before using.
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Dress the Oranges: Sprinkle the orange slices with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Add the dried oregano. For an optional touch of sweetness, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar or your preferred substitute. Toss gently to coat the oranges in the dressing.
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Refrigerate: Allow the dressed oranges to chill in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together.
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Assemble the Salad: After refrigeration, toss the oranges again to redistribute the dressing. Place the sliced onions on top of the oranges in the serving dish.
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Add Final Touches: Garnish with freshly chopped chives and halved black olives. Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
The Orange & Onion Salad serves approximately 6 people and is best enjoyed cold. It makes a wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or as part of a larger spread of salads and appetizers. For an aesthetically pleasing presentation, arrange the orange slices in a circular pattern and scatter the onions and olives artfully over the top.
Variations and Tips
- Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs such as basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus Variety: Use a mix of citrus fruits like grapefruit or blood oranges for added color and taste complexity.
- Nuts and Seeds: Add some texture by incorporating toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Cheese: Crumble feta or goat cheese over the salad for a creamy element that pairs well with the acidity and sweetness.
- Vinaigrette: Experiment with different types of vinegar or even add a splash of balsamic reduction for a deeper flavor.
- Avocado: Slices of avocado can add a rich, buttery texture that complements the tangy and sweet elements of the salad.
- Spice: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a few slices of chili can add a nice kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Storage
While this salad is best served fresh, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the onions might become stronger in flavor over time, and the oranges may lose some of their firmness.
Conclusion
The Orange & Onion Salad is a delightful dish that highlights the simplicity of fresh ingredients. It’s a perfect example of how a few well-chosen items can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you are looking to impress guests with a unique appetizer or simply want to enjoy a light and flavorful side, this salad is a great choice. The balance of sweet oranges, sharp onions, and a tangy dressing makes it a versatile addition to any meal plan.
Experiment with the variations and find your own twist on this classic combination. Enjoy the refreshing taste and vibrant presentation of this salad as a staple in your culinary repertoire.
