This Fregola Sarda Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the nutty flavor of fregola—a toasted Sardinian pasta—with juicy citrus, briny olives, and crisp greens. It’s a perfect addition to holiday spreads or light lunches.
The salad features a delightful mix of textures and flavors, including arugula, fennel, and toasted almonds, all brought together with a simple citrus vinaigrette. This recipe is ideal for those seeking a refreshing winter citrus salad with seasonal ingredients.
Vibrant Ingredients of Fregola Sarda Salad
The Fregola Sarda Salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. At its core, fregola pasta brings a nutty essence that pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients.
Bright orange segments add a burst of sweetness, while the peppery notes of arugula and the crispness of thinly shaved fennel contribute to a refreshing bite. Sliced olives introduce a briny contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
To finish off this colorful dish, toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch, making each mouthful a delightful experience.
Preparing the Citrus Vinaigrette
The dressing is a key component of the Fregola Salad, and a simple citrus vinaigrette elevates the dish. Combining olive oil with fresh lemon or orange juice creates a light and zesty dressing that perfectly complements the salad’s ingredients.
Whisking together these components with a pinch of salt and pepper ensures a balanced flavor that ties the salad together. This vinaigrette not only enhances the taste but also adds a glossy finish to the vibrant colors of the salad.
Assembly of the Fregola Salad
Once the fregola is cooked and cooled, the assembly of the salad begins. In a large bowl, combine the fregola with arugula, shaved fennel, orange segments, olives, and toasted almonds.
Drizzling the citrus vinaigrette over the mixture allows for even distribution of flavors. Gently tossing the ingredients ensures that each bite is packed with the delightful medley of tastes.
Serving Suggestions for Your Salad
This Fregola Sarda Salad is not only visually appealing but also versatile in its serving options. It can be enjoyed as a light lunch or as a side dish during holiday gatherings.
For an impressive presentation, serve the salad in a rustic bowl, allowing the vibrant colors to shine. Pair it with grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own for a refreshing winter citrus salad.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. With approximately 250 calories per serving, it offers a healthy balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
The combination of fresh vegetables and fregola provides essential vitamins and minerals, while the toasted almonds contribute healthy fats and protein. This makes the Fregola Sarda Salad a wholesome choice for any meal.
Why This Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion
The Fregola Salad stands out as a perfect dish for various occasions. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it an excellent choice for holiday salads or casual gatherings.
Moreover, the use of seasonal ingredients ensures that it remains relevant throughout the winter months. Whether served at a festive dinner or as a light meal, this salad is sure to impress guests and family alike.
Refreshing Fregola Sarda Salad Recipe
This Fregola Sarda Salad showcases a combination of fregola, olives, citrus, and almonds, creating a unique and flavorful dish. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fregola Sarda
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup arugula, washed and dried
- 1 small fennel bulb, thinly shaved
- 1 cup orange segments
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or orange juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Fregola: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add fregola and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice or orange juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked fregola, arugula, shaved fennel, orange segments, olives, and toasted almonds.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g