We are spoiled rotten in Morocco with oranges all year round. But, if you ask my opinion, I think the best oranges appear in winter. What are these delicious little bites of sun-soaked goodness?
Mandarins.
Some smart marketers in the US started calling them cuties a few years ago and now whenever I see them I want to just give them a little squeeze. In this super easy Moroccan recipe you can do just that!
I remember seeing a recipe similar to this many years ago and when I said something to MarocBaba about an orange salad that had olives in it he said I had lost my mind. There was no such thing. But, in September of last year I was at Val d’Argan, a lovely winery with fantastic food outside of Essaouira and this was the first course. Friends, this is a party in your mouth. It is light and lovely. A perfect pick me up from the doldrums of winter. I dare you to hate it.
Go on, just try!
Moroccan Orange and Black Olive Salad with Argan Dressing
Wondering how to use some of that delicious culinary argan oil you've got? This salad is ideal!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 medium oranges OR 5-6 mandarins
- black salted olives
- 1 tsp chopped cilantro
- 1/8 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp crushed garlic
- 2 tsp argan oil
- 1/8 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Remove the peel from around the orange.
- Pull apart the segments, remove the inner skin, and cut into bite size pieces.
- In a bowl whisk together paprika, cumin, garlic and orange juice.
- Place olives and oranges in a bowl and drizzle spice/orange juice mixture over the top. Gently mix to combine.
- Drizzle argan oil on top of the salad and add fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
The key ingredient in this dish is culinary grade argan. You NEED to have the culinary variety because it will have the right taste. Cosmetic argan isn't to eat.
Looking for some more ideas for Moroccan salads? I’ve got a bunch of both sweet and savory options!
Kathleen Knott Ingram
Monday 4th of December 2023
Amanda, did you really say a WINERY? I know Morocco produces wine, but the last time I went (about 4 years ago) you couldn't even buy it at Rabat airport.
Amanda Mouttaki
Tuesday 5th of December 2023
Oh there's quite a few - you can for sure buy wine all over the country (and beer and liquor). Every larger airport has duty free with alcohol for sale - Marrakech and Casablanca for sure can't speak for Rabat as I have never flown in there. Very easy to get.
Norina
Wednesday 14th of September 2022
Oh yes, I had another comment. This salad is not made with mandarin oranges cut up into segments. It is made with large navel oranges that are cut into rounds that have a little hole at the center, if you know what I mean. They have to be laid out carefully so they do not break apart.
Amanda Mouttaki
Thursday 15th of September 2022
Yes, traditionally it's always made with big oranges but, I love the mandarin oranges! My own little twist ;)
Norina
Wednesday 14th of September 2022
Your husband is Moroccan and he never heard of an orange and olive salad?? How is that possible? Sixty years ago, as a child, my Moroccan mother took me to Paris where an aunt made this salad. Of course, in America, little kids often don't eat olives and salads are made out of lettuce! Who ever heard of a salad made of oranges and olives?? I wouldn't touch it! Now, I have been making this salad for years. It is a staple at all the homes of people in my family. So, I am thinking that the only way your husband would not know of this salad is because it is served in Moroccan Jewish homes. Could that be it?
Amanda Mouttaki
Thursday 15th of September 2022
I'm sure that was one of the reasons why. I think some families just don't stray outside of the dishes they know and love, while others are super adventurous. I'm glad that he's now very open minded and eats and tries everything!
Beef Tagine with Argan Oil - MarocMama
Tuesday 3rd of July 2018
[…] Moroccan Orange and Black Olive Salad with Argan Dressing […]
Karen Potter
Saturday 11th of February 2017
How many olives? I'm excited to make this. I brought argan oil home from Morocco!
Amanda Mouttaki
Monday 13th of February 2017
As many or few as you like - there's no set amount.