Sicilian Orange Salad: A salad without greens

Insalata di arance or di portualle. This salad from Sicily is vibrant, delicious, and requires few ingredients. It's not totally clear, but most agree it was a simple, poor man's salad because all of the ingredients were readily available on the island.

What many don't know is that south Louisiana has a strong history of Sicilian immigration. From the first expeditions, Sicilians were present. But immigration heavily increased in the late 1880s, so much so that the 'French Quarter' was actually called 'little Palermo.'

Thankfully, citrus fruit trees do quite well in the Louisiana climate. So while most people think of creole and cajun food as heavy and sauce driven, the waves of immigration also brought and the local ingredients supported this culinary gem.

The salad is also very healthy without substitutions. Packed with vitamin C and folate, oranges take front and center in this dish. A sprinkle of red onions adds even more vitamin C and antioxidant properties. A dash of olives and olive oil provide good fats as well as Vitamin E.

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp Olive Oil

2 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 each Navel Oranges, Blood Oranges, Grapefruit, peeled and thinly sliced

1 Red Onion, thinly sliced

1 cup green olives, halved

Directions:

Combine oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Plate citrus, onions, and olives. Pour dressing over to coat.

Serve immediately or chilled.

Any recipe that take just three lines, but packs as much of a punch to your palate and nutritional bottom line as this one does, is worth noting. It's a terrific accompaniment to a weeknight dinner that balances heavy dishes like pastas.