Herbed Baccala Salad with Olives and Citrus Dressing
This delightful Baccala Salad, a cherished family recipe from my mother's kitchen, is a festive staple for Christmas gatherings. Despite my own not-so-enthusiastic stance on it, the vibrant flavors and textures of the dish win over everyone else at the table. Combining the heartiness of the salted cod with the freshness of parsley, the brininess of olives, and a bright citrus dressing, this dish celebrates traditional European cuisine while offering a unique taste experience. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, it's simple to prepare yet impressively scrumptious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salted cod (dried)
4 lbs (Rinsed and soaked)
Fresh parsley
3 cups (Chopped)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (None)
Lemons
2 (Juiced)
Black olives
10 ounces (Cut in half)
Spanish olives
4 ounces (Cut in half (with pimento))
Hot red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons (None)
Salt
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the salted cod at least 24 hours in advance. Rinse the cod thoroughly, then place it in a bowl and cover it with cold water, changing the water every 6 hours to remove excess salt.
2
After soaking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rinsed cod and cook for about 15 minutes, until it is tender and fully cooked.
3
Once cooked, carefully remove the cod from the pot and allow it to cool. Once it has cooled, use your hands to flake the cod into bite-sized pieces, ensuring to remove any bones.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked cod with the chopped fresh parsley, mixing well to incorporate.
5
Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
6
Fold in the black olives and Spanish olives, followed by the hot red pepper flakes, mixing until everything is well distributed.
7
Taste the salad and add salt if necessary, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
8
Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy this festive dish with family and friends!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Baccala Salad with Olives and Citrus Dressing?
It is a traditional European seafood salad made with salted cod, fresh parsley, olives, and a bright citrus dressing, often served during Christmas.
How much salted cod is needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 4 pounds of dried salted cod.
How long should I soak the salted cod before cooking?
The salted cod should be soaked for at least 24 hours in cold water.
How often should the water be changed during the soaking process?
You should change the soaking water every 6 hours to effectively remove the excess salt.
What is the boiling time for the cod?
The rinsed and soaked cod should be boiled for about 15 minutes until it is tender.
How do I prepare the cod after it has been boiled?
After the cod cools, flake it into bite-sized pieces using your hands and ensure all bones are removed.
How much parsley is used in the Herbed Baccala Salad?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chopped fresh parsley.
What type of oil is best for the dressing?
One cup of extra virgin olive oil is used for the dressing.
What kind of citrus provides the acidity in the dressing?
The juice from 2 lemons is used to provide the citrus flavor.
What types of olives are included in this salad?
The salad includes 10 ounces of black olives and 4 ounces of Spanish olives with pimento.
How should the olives be prepared?
Both the black olives and Spanish olives should be cut in half before being added to the salad.
Does this recipe have a spicy element?
Yes, it includes 2 teaspoons of hot red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Should I add extra salt to the salad?
You should taste the salad first and add salt only if necessary, as the cod may still retain some saltiness.
At what temperature should the Baccala Salad be served?
The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Is this dish suitable for a holiday meal?
Yes, it is a festive staple particularly popular for Christmas gatherings and holiday recipes.
What is another name for this salad mentioned in the tags?
It is also known as Insalata di Baccala.
Can I use fresh cod instead of salted cod?
The recipe specifically calls for salted dried cod, which provides a unique texture and flavor essential to traditional Baccala salad.
Is this recipe considered a main course?
It is primarily served as an appetizer or a side dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used to make this salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this seafood salad is naturally gluten-free.
Does the salad contain dairy?
No, this recipe is dairy-free.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
This is a cherished family recipe from the author's mother's kitchen, following European culinary traditions.
How should the cod be rinsed before soaking?
The cod should be rinsed thoroughly under cold water to remove the initial surface salt.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, preparing it in advance allows the flavors of the citrus, herbs, and olives to meld together.
How long does it take to cook the fish once it is prepared?
The actual cooking time is quite short, requiring only 15 minutes of boiling.
What is the role of hot red pepper flakes in this dish?
The pepper flakes add a subtle heat that balances the briny olives and acidic lemon juice.
Is the cod flaked before or after boiling?
The cod is flaked after it has been boiled and allowed to cool.
What kind of texture does the salad have?
It features a combination of hearty, flaked cod, tender olives, and fresh, crisp parsley.
Can this recipe be scaled down?
Yes, though it uses 4 lbs of cod, you can proportionately reduce the ingredients for a smaller yield.
Can I freeze the leftover Baccala Salad?
It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days; freezing may negatively affect the texture of the fish and fresh herbs.