Sicilian Citrus and Olive Salad
Bright, briny, and bursting with Mediterranean sunshine, this Sicilian Citrus and Olive Salad is a celebration of bold contrasts—sweet citrus, salty olives, and fragrant herbs. Inspired by traditional Southern Italian flavors and enjoyed as a palate-awakener across Sicilian tables, this salad pairs simplicity with elegance. It's refreshing and vibrant, a perfect balance of acidity, salt, and natural sweetness that transports you to the citrus groves of Sicily with every bite.
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Large Salad Bowl
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 medium navel oranges peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 medium blood orange peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 medium grapefruit peeled and segmented
- ½ cup Castelvetrano olives pitted and halved
- ¼ cup thinly sliced fennel bulb fronds reserved
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil preferably Sicilian
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice from Meyer lemon if available
- ½ tsp sea salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves torn
Instructions
- Carefully peel the navel oranges, blood orange, and grapefruit with a sharp knife, removing as much of the white pith as possible. Slice the oranges into thin rounds and segment the grapefruit. Remove any seeds.
- Arrange the citrus slices and segments on a large plate or serving platter in a slightly overlapping pattern. This creates visual appeal and allows the juices to mingle.
- Scatter the Castelvetrano olives and thinly sliced fennel bulb over the citrus. Use the reserved fennel fronds to add a touch of herbal freshness.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until emulsified. Season lightly with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Finish with torn mint leaves and a final sprinkle of sea salt or cracked pepper, if desired.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife for easier citrus slicing.
- If you can't find Castelvetrano olives, try Manzanilla or another firm green olive, though Castelvetrano’s buttery flavor is ideal.
- For a touch of sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey over the salad before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 558mgPotassium: 311mgFiber: 4gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 1163IUVitamin C: 82mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 0.5mg
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