Imagine a burst of sunshine on your plate that combines the tangy sweetness of ripe oranges with the rich, briny flavor of green olives. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is not just a dish; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary flavor experience. Get ready to impress your guests and tantalize your palate with a recipe that's as visually stunning as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 oranges, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the oranges. Using a sharp knife, carefully peel the oranges, removing all the white pith. Slice the oranges into rounds or segments, depending on your preference. Place the orange slices in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Next, take the green olives and ensure they are pitted. If using whole olives, you can gently press them with the flat side of a knife to release the pit. Once pitted, add the olives to the bowl with the orange slices.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. This will serve as your dressing. You can adjust the ratio of olive oil to balsamic vinegar according to your taste preference.
- Drizzle the dressing over the orange and olive mixture in the bowl. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that the orange slices and olives are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small pinch of each, and adjust according to your liking. Remember that the olives may already have some saltiness, so taste as you go.
- Once seasoned, transfer the salad to a serving plate or bowl. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the orange slices in a circular pattern and scatter the olives around them.
- Finally, garnish the salad with fresh basil leaves. You can either leave the leaves whole for a rustic look or chop them roughly for a more integrated flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.
Tips
- Choose your oranges wisely: Select ripe, juicy oranges with a vibrant color for the best flavor profile.
- Pitting olives hack: Use the flat side of a knife to gently crush olives, making pit removal easier.
- Dressing secret: Whisk the olive oil and balsamic vinegar thoroughly to create a perfectly emulsified dressing.
- Temperature matters: Serve the salad at room temperature to enhance the natural flavors of the oranges and olives.
- Garnish like a pro: Fresh basil adds a beautiful aroma and color contrast to the salad.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but dress the salad just before serving to maintain its fresh texture.
- Experiment with variations: Try adding some crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
