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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Salt Cod Salad: A Timeless Taste from Messina

Salt Cod Salad: A Timeless Taste from Messina

Delve into the traditional Salt Cod Salad of Messina—a dish bursting with flavour and simplicity, perfect for any occasion.

⏱️
Prep Time
about 25 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 10 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Moderate
🗓️ Summer
4.8/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 600 g soaked salt cod
  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 200 g cherry tomatoes
  • 100 g pitted black olives
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 red onion
  • 1 celery stalk
  • a handful of oregano
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
250g
Protein
20g
Fat
10g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fiber
3g
Sugars
2g
Sodium
500mg

Salt Cod Salad transports you straight to the heart of Messina’s culinary heritage in Sicily. This straightforward yet flavour-packed dish showcases salted cod, a cornerstone ingredient of island cooking. Light yet robust in flavour, the salad is ideal for a summer lunch or a light evening meal, offering a delicious glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture. The aromatic oregano and juicy cherry tomatoes mingle beautifully with the creamy texture of potatoes, crafting a harmony of tastes to delight every palate.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Wash the potatoes and boil them in their skins in salted water.

  2. 2

    Drain the potatoes, leave to cool, then peel.

  3. 3

    Cut the salt cod into large chunks, remove any bones, and gently poach it in salted water for 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Drain the cod, let it cool, then remove any skin and remaining bones.

  5. 5

    Soak the capers in cold water for 15 minutes to mellow their saltiness.

  6. 6

    Rinse the cherry tomatoes and halve them. Clean the celery by removing any strings, then slice into rounds.

  7. 7

    Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Halve the olives.

  8. 8

    Chop the cooled potatoes into bite-sized pieces.

  9. 9

    Combine the cod, tomatoes, celery, olives, potatoes, drained capers, and onion in a large salad bowl.

  10. 10

    Whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper and oregano to make a dressing. Pour it over the salad and toss gently to combine.

  11. 11

    Cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for 2 hours to let the flavours blend.

  12. 12

    Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving and present the salad in a charming Sicilian ceramic dish.

💡 Tips and Variations

For an added splash of freshness, stir a little lemon juice into the dressing. If you prefer a bolder flavour, swap black olives for green ones.

📦 Storage

  • Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days, covered with cling film.
  • Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture of the vegetables.
  • Allow to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

🍷 Pairing

This salt cod salad pairs beautifully with a glass of Etna Bianco Superiore—a fresh and harmonious wine that perfectly complements the dish’s delicate flavours.

Give this classic Sicilian salad a go at home and bring a little sunshine from Messina to your table. Its bright, comforting flavours make it an absolute crowd-pleaser, ideal for sharing with family and friends on a lazy summer afternoon. Trust me, once you try it, it’s bound to become a firm favourite in your recipe collection!

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