Orange Onion Salad

 

Years ago, my friend Annie talked about a salad she had as if it were her new best friend. She described it in detail: the crunch of its voice, its tangy personality, its unexpected freshness, how curious it was like one has when one is first in love: She wondered what other flavors it might have if mixed with an added ingredient.

One lazy late afternoon, I stopped by Annie's to say hi as I did every day; I barely came into her kitchen when Annie pulled me to her fridge and said, "Corey, I made the Orange Onion Salad; you gotta taste it!"

Now, that might not sound unusual, offering a taste of an Orange Onion Salad at five in the afternoon but let me tell you, in France, that is as rare as Martians coming over to visit. I knew at that moment that this salad had to have a real pull on Annie's French heartstrings.

Annie brought out the Orange Salad and handed me a spoon, not bothering to give me a plate. Love does that. It makes you do things you would never think to do. I hesitated, doubting briefly the goodness of oranges with onions. The thought made me pucker my lips, and though Annie's enthusiasm reassured me, I scooped a mouthful. The moment the Orange/Onion combo hit my tastebuds, I was smitten. "Who knew!" I exclaimed. 

Orange Onion Salad:

One large sweet white onion, thinly sliced. Marinate it with two or three tablespoons of olive oil,

one or two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and black pepper with a hint of nutmeg.

While this sets aside doing its thing,

Peel and skin three large oranges peeled, then cut in thirds,

Mix the two.

Serve as is, over rice or on an avocado.

(Endless possibilities: add pistachios or red onions with raspberry vinaigrette instead.)

Have you had Orange Onion Salad or a variation of it?

PS

I have added a new category to my blog: "Annie" for those who want to reread stories about my friend. I will add a few at a time as I have to dig through my archives to find them all.

Comments

[Jeanne]

I love all you share about Annie. I loved that lady through you
I am always so happy when I read your blog daily.
Hugs

[Teddee Grace]

Sounds interesting. Do you marinate the onion in a mixture of the oil and vinegar or just the oil? I think the nutmeg must be the mystery ingredient.

[Kathie B]

Portuguese Beet & Orange Salad
http://www.inolongerlikechocolates.com/21-10_calendar_oct.htm

[Kathy]

I so love your stories about Annie! Thanks for sharing her with us, Corey.

[Susie]

Love Annie stories so much. The orange salad I have made I serve with Mexican food (enchiladas, tacos, whatever) and for that the secret ingredient is a little cumin and a little cayenne pepper. The orange is such a great counterpoint for spicy 🌶️ food.

[g]

I made this the last time you posted and it was delicious! I will be making this as soon as I secure the ingredients and love the idea of pistachios !

[Cammy]

I had something like this when I was a child and spent the night at a friend's house! I thought her mother was so elegant . . .
Her orange and onion salad also had avocado. Dreamy! I make it for myself and add cured black olives. I can appreciate Annie's obsession!

[marilyn]

Every recipe you share I love. This is going in my Corey file.

[RebeccaNYC]

oh YES!! An Italian friend introduced me to this salad several years ago...or a simpler version of it anyway. Sliced oranges covered with onion sliced on a mandolin..super thin slices, drizzled with really good olive oil and garnished with sea salt. PERFECT any time of the year but especially in the winter with a hearty stew. OH YUM. I like the idea of adding avocado!