- Antipasti
- Bella Italia
- Dessert
- Drinks
- Favorite Italian recipes
- Main courses
- Pasta
- Pizza
- Side dishes and salad
- Tips & Knowledge
Sicilian orange salad – with fennel
Sicilian orange salad, known as "insalata di arance" in Italian, is a traditional dish from Sicily. This culinary specialty will impress you with its fresh and light taste. The salad brings real variety to the buffet and can be eaten as a starter, side dish or even as a light main course.
Schritt für Schritt durch´s Rezept
- Step 1Peel the oranges thickly all around, also removing the white skin. Collect the juice in a small bowl.
- Step 2Cut the oranges into 0.5 cm thin slices, remove any existing slices. Spread the orange slices out on a large plate.
- Step 3Clean the fennel bulb and remove the hard outer parts. Put the fennel greens to one side for garnishing. Cut the tender fennel heart into small cubes.
- Step 4Cut the onions into very fine rings.
- Step 5For the dressing, whisk the orange juice with the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Finely chop the rosemary and mix in. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Step 6Toss the fennel cubes thoroughly in the sauce, remove and spread over the orange slices.
- Step 7Spread the onion rings and black olives over the orange platter. Drizzle the rest of the dressing over the salad. Grind the pepper coarsely and garnish with the fennel greens.
Insalata di arance
A key aspect of this salad is the balance of flavors. The salad combines the sweetness of fresh oranges with the sharpness of onions, often red onions, which are milder and sweeter than white ones. In addition, the red-orange contrast really makes an impression.
A very simple dressing of olive oil, salt and pepper is typical. Sometimes ingredients such as anchovies are added for an extra kick. Fresh herbs such as mint or parsley can also be used to give the dish an aromatic touch.
Sicilian winter cuisine
Sicilian orange salad is traditionally made during the winter months, especially because oranges are in season at this time and are particularly juicy and aromatic in Sicily. It is a simple but tasty dish that highlights the fresh, local produce of Sicily.
Orange salad served like in Sicily
We at Gustini brought the recipe back from a visit to our producer Barone del Murgo, who grows olives and oranges on the slopes of Mount Etna. Of course, his own harvest was used in his salad. There we also learned how to serve the salad on the island:
- As a side dish: It is often served as a refreshing accompaniment to heavier dishes such as grilled fish or meat. It provides a pleasant contrast to savory dishes.
- As part of a festive meal: Orange salad is also served on special occasions and celebrations, such as Christmas or Easter, as part of a festive menu.
- As a light main course: On warmer days or for a light meal, it can also serve as a main course, often accompanied by seafood and fresh bread.
- In everyday cooking: Because it is so easy to prepare, it is also a popular everyday dish.
- As a starter: In a Sicilian menu, for example before a pasta alla norma.
Want to share your thoughts? We're excited to hear what you think of the article. Tell us about your ideas, tips or questions! Leave a comment and share your knowledge with the community. Your opinion counts.
Write a comment