Sicilian Orange Salad with Shallots is a fresh and simple dish with sweet citrus, mild onion, and olive oil—perfect as a light side.
This is one of those simple dishes that feels a bit different from everyday salads.
Sweet, juicy oranges combined with delicate shallots and good olive oil create a fresh and balanced flavor. It’s inspired by Sicilian cuisine, where citrus plays a big role.
There are only a few ingredients, but together they make something really interesting—light, refreshing, and perfect as a side dish.
How to choose the best ingredients for an Oranges and Shallots Salad
Oranges: Use sweet, juicy oranges. Blood oranges are even better if you have them—they add more aroma and a deeper flavor. Avoid mandarins here, they’re too soft and don’t give the same effect
Shallots: Shallots are key—they’re mild and slightly sweet, which works perfectly with the oranges. Regular onions are too strong for this salad
Olive oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil. A fresh, well-balanced oil really makes a difference in such a simple dish
Top Tip for Success
- Slice the oranges carefully—remove the peel and white pith completely so the salad isn’t bitter
- Use a sharp knife and cut into neat slices or segments for a cleaner look and better texture
- Slice shallots very thinly—they should be delicate, not overpowering
- Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes before serving—the flavors will combine naturally
- Add a pinch of salt at the end—it enhances the sweetness of the oranges
- Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature—the flavor is more balanced
No Waste Ideas
- You can use orange peel to make candied peel for baking
- Dry the peel and grind it into powder—it works well in baking or even homemade cosmetics
- Always wash oranges well if using the peel—first cold water, then warm, and gently scrub with a brush
How to Enjoy
- As a light side dish — perfect with grilled meats like chicken or fish
- With crusty bread or ciabatta — to soak up the citrus and olive oil
- As part of an antipasti board — pairs well with cheeses and olives
- With roasted meats — especially pork or turkey for a fresh contrast
- On its own, simple, refreshing, and enough as a small starter
Oranges and Shallots Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Peel 2 ripe, sweet oranges and dice them.
- We also peel the shallot and chop it.
- Put oranges and shallots in a salad bowl, add oil and a pinch of salt. We mix everything.
- It is best to prepare such a salad 1 hour before consumption to bite the flavours of sweetness and spiciness.
- I love to eat with ciabatta, but there may also be other favourite bread, preferably rustic.
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