• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Analida's Ethnic Spoon

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Shop
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home >> Turkish

    Turkish Orange and Onion Salad

    Published: Jun 9, 2023 by Analida · • Word count:1078 words. • About 6 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links ·

    588 shares
    • 106
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A collage of photos showing Turkish orange salad on a white plate with a fork.

    This Turkish orange and onion salad or portakal salatasi is one of my go-to dishes to serve during the summer heat and goes great with grilled meat. When it is too hot to turn on the stove or oven and the cooking has moved outdoors this is a hit. This dish also comes together in about 5 minutes! So fresh and easy!

    a white plate with turkish orange and onion salad with olives and mint leaves
    Jump to:
    • Dish Origins
    • Orange History
    • Steps to make Turkish Orange and Onion Salad
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Other Turkish Recipes
    • Turkish Orange and Onion Salad Recipe

    Dish Origins

    Portakal Salatasi aka Orange Salad is the Turkish name for this dish. Portakal is derived from Portugal. What's the connection? Well, at one point in time the best oranges came from Portugal. Oranges were famous. So famous that Arabs changed the name from naranj to porteghal. Interestingly enough, the word for orange in Spanish is naranja. This word comes from an old Sanskrit term naga ranga. Similar words are fascinating! By the way... my Puerto Rican friend told me oranges are called chinas in Puerto Rico.

    Orange and onion salad is what you've been waiting for and is a great addition to any summer menu. It's light, refreshing, and a nice deviation from the usual greens. Bonus, no heavy or processed dressings. The simple dressing of olive oil, and herbs doesn't overshadow the sweetness of the oranges. If you like sweet and savory flavors mixed together then you will love the sweet orange mixed with salty olives, crisp onion flavor and a hint of herbs. I use extra mint to add even more depth of flavors. I love this salad!

    Orange History

    Oranges likely originated in Malaysia (SE Asia). They made their way to China around 2200 B.C. The emperor often received oranges. People admired oranges for their medicinal properties and the aromatic value of their essential oils.

    Eventually, oranges made it to Europe via the Silk Road traders. By the end of the second century A.D. they were featured at the lavish banquets of the Roman aristocracy. Christopher Columbus brought oranges to the New World. He planted the first orange tree in the Americas. The first American plantation of oranges was in St. Augustine, Florida. Later, during the gold rush in California, certain unscrupulous doctors made a hefty profit by selling orange juice to scurvy afflicted prospectors. The dose? A spoonful! Oranges have a really fascinating history and you can read more at Fruit Stand history of oranges page.

    a top dow view of a white plate with turkish orange and onion salad with forks on the top

    Steps to make Turkish Orange and Onion Salad

    A photo showing the ingredients and the step to cut the orange ends off to make Turkish orange salad.
    • Step 1: Gather your ingredients and have them measured out and ready: 3 oranges, 1 red onion sliced thin, Kalamata olives, salt, olive oil, thyme, oregano, sumac and mint leaves.
    • Step 2: Slice the ends of the orange starting with the stem side then the bottom as shown.
    Photos showing how to slice the side of an orange around the edge.
    • Step 3: Angle your knife to cut around the edge of the orange.
    • Step 4: Saw gently keeping it close to the juicy flesh until you hit the bottom.
    A photo showing the edge peel removed and then making slices from an orange for Turkish orange salad.
    • Step 5: The edge will look like it has a stripe. Keep cutting around the edge until all the peel has been removed. You can clean up the white pith as you go just leaving the flesh.
    • Step 6: Make slices from top to bottom that are about ¼ of an inch thick. Place the oranges, onions and olives on a platter.
    Two photos showing a bowl of oil and adding ingredients and then whisking to combine to make a dressing for Turkish orange salad.
    • Step 7: Add the olive oil, thyme, oregano, and sumac to the oil.
    • Step 8: Whisk to combine then drizzle over the oranges, olives and onions. Garnish with mint leaves and sprinkle with salt to taste.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What type of oranges do I use?

    I like to use sweet naval oranges that are seedless.

    What is sumac that is used in the dressing?

    Sumac is a dried spice that is popular in Middle Eastern cooking. It adds tangy and a slightly floral note of flavor. Sumac has a nice acidic flavor like lemon zest but is not bitter.

    How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?

    It is best to eat this fresh but you can store it for 3-4 days sealed in a container.

    Needless to say, this orange salad goes perfect with grilled kebabs or any other grilled meat for that matter. Take it to your next picnic, and your friends will love you for bringing Turkish food. Or, enjoy it as a quick side to a weeknight meal. It's a great and delicious way to get your vitamin C.

    Other Turkish Recipes

    • Gavurdagi - A traditional salad of cucumbers, tomato, parsley and walnuts with a tangy sweet dressing made from pomegranate molasses.
    • Ezeme - A spicy salsa made with roasted peppers and tomatoes.
    • Poğaças - A cheese filled pastry that is like a biscuit and similar to cheese fatayer.
    • Nohutlu mücver - Chickpea patties with red onion, parsley and other spices.
    • Talas Kebabi - A flakey puff pastry filled with spiced beef.
    • Turkish Style Rack of Lamb - A very unique blend of spices coat this lamb that is served with a mint yogurt sauce.

    This recipe was adapted from the book "The Complete Book of Turkish Cooking" by Ghillie Basan.

    A photo of Turkish orange and onion salad or portakal salatsi on a white plate.

    Turkish Orange and Onion Salad Recipe

    Turkish or Portakal Salatasi orange and onion salad goes perfect with grilled kebabs or any other grilled meat for that matter. Take it to your next picnic, and your friends will love you. This has a nice contrast of flavors of sweet and savory. 
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Turkish
    Keyword: fresh ingredients, healthy, low calorie, low fat, sweet and savory
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 minute minute
    Total Time: 6 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 108kcal
    Author: Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    • 3 oranges cut into slices ( sweet naval oranges work nicely)
    • 1 red onion sliced thin
    • 8 Kalamata olives
    • ½ tsp Kosher salt to taste

    Dressing:

    • 3 Tbsp olive oil
    • ¼ tsp thyme
    • ¼ tsp oregano
    • ¼ tsp sumac
    • 6 mint leaves for garnish

    Instructions

    Prepare the salad:

    • Peel the oranges and remove the surrounding pith.
    • Slice oranges to a thickness of ¼" and place on a large serving platter.
    • Slice onion thinly and place them over the oranges.
    • Scatter the olives on top.

    Prepare the Dressing:

    • In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, thyme, sumac and oregano.
    • Drizzle over the oranges and onions.
    • Serve with a sprinkling of salt and mint garnish.

    Notes

    Frequently Asked Questions:
    What type of oranges do I use?
    I like to use sweet naval oranges that are seedless.
    What is sumac that is used in the dressing?
    Sumac is a dried spice that is popular in Middle Eastern cooking. It adds tangy and slightly floral note of flavor. It an adds a nice acidic flavor like lemon zest but is not bitter.
    How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?
    It is best to eat this fresh but you can store it for 3-4 days sealed in a container.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 277mg | Potassium: 145mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 36.5mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 0.2mg

    You might also like to try these:

    • Cannellini Bean, Parsley, Tomato, Red Onion Salad
      Quick and easy! Here is a must try summer bean salad when you want to eat something cool or take to a picnic. The flavors are fantastic with fresh parsley and tarragon for nice herbal note. | ethnicspoon.com
    • Turkish Chickpea Burgers
      Spicy and delicious Turkish chick pea fritters or burgers: Nohutlu Mücver | ethnicspoon.com
    • Turkish Bread: Pide
      A photo of Turkish pide on a wooden cutting board.
    « Spicy Mango Habanero Ribs
    Cuban Vaca Frita - Latin Style Flank Steak »
    588 shares
    • 106

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Derek

      July 08, 2015 at 4:27 pm

      This looks fantastic! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 08, 2015 at 6:48 pm

        You are welcome Derek!

        Reply
    2. Joann Woolley

      July 14, 2015 at 12:06 am

      This combination looks beautiful and it sounds good too. I am pinning to my salad board!

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 14, 2015 at 4:21 pm

        Thanks Joann!!

        Reply
    3. Faye Wilkerson

      July 15, 2015 at 11:52 am

      I have never added olives to my orange salad, but I think it will be a great addition.

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 15, 2015 at 8:31 pm

        Thanks, I think so. It also looks pretty!!

        Reply
    4. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life

      July 16, 2015 at 12:31 am

      What a lovely salad! The combination sounds wonderful...definitely something I would like!

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 17, 2015 at 8:27 pm

        Thanks Michelle. Try it out. It is so refreshing.

        Reply
    5. Hirra Pervaiz

      July 16, 2015 at 1:27 am

      What a delightful salad, This is great for summers.

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 17, 2015 at 8:27 pm

        Indeed it is Hirra. It is so refreshing!

        Reply
    6. Sarah

      July 17, 2015 at 8:35 pm

      Wow! Gorgeous photography and a mouth-watering recipe. Thanks for linking up to Blogger Brags. I've pinned your post to the Blogger Brags Pinterest board.

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 18, 2015 at 7:19 pm

        Thanks Sarah. It is a great recipe. Thanks for pinning!!

        Reply
    7. Shirley Wood

      July 19, 2015 at 4:59 am

      What a wonderful combination of flavors for a nice summer dish! I'm going to feature this recipe at the new Merry Monday party starting Sunday night. So glad you shared with us at Merry Monday!

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 19, 2015 at 6:41 am

        Thanks so much Shirley!!! I so appreciate it.

        Reply
    8. Megan @ C'mon Get Crafty

      July 19, 2015 at 8:01 pm

      Ok, well, the title didn't' sell me, but the pictures sure did! Wow, that looks amazing! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday, and can't wait to see what you link up this week!

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 20, 2015 at 11:28 am

        You're welcome Megan. Do you have any suggestions for a better title?
        🙂

        Reply
    9. Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom

      February 17, 2016 at 7:36 am

      I love the sweet and salty combo here! Fabulous flavor achieved!

      Reply
      • Analida

        February 17, 2016 at 7:45 pm

        Thanks Kristen!

        Reply
    10. Denise Wright

      February 17, 2016 at 1:16 pm

      This combination of the oranges and olives and onions intrigues me. I love that you always have a history lesson in your posts!

      Reply
      • Analida

        February 17, 2016 at 7:42 pm

        Thanks Denise. I love history! It's so much fun to do research on food items and food traditions. I am glad you like the history bit.

        Reply
    11. Analida

      February 17, 2016 at 7:45 pm

      KC, sumac has a really tangy flavor. It's what used by the Romans before the Arabs brought citrus to Europe. You can get sumac at http://www.penzeys.com I like to sprinkle a little sumac on my hummus. I also recently had dinner at an Arab restaurant and my tilapia came with a little sumac sprinkled on top.

      Reply
    12. Caroline

      February 17, 2016 at 8:08 pm

      Simple and tasty - always good! I've made something similar and it was delicious.

      Reply
      • Analida

        February 19, 2016 at 3:23 pm

        Thanks Caroline. Yes, it is so easy.

        Reply
    13. Jade @ Jonesin' For Taste

      February 18, 2016 at 12:13 am

      I love how simple this is but out of the ordinary as well!

      Reply
      • Analida

        February 19, 2016 at 3:16 pm

        Thanks Jade! Yes, it is a bit unusual.

        Reply
    14. Gloria

      April 30, 2018 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      I always love when simple ingredients come together to create something so delicious. This is perfect for hot weather eating. Sounds refreshing and so easy.

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 01, 2018 at 6:22 pm

        Gloria, this is indeed a unique dish. It is really refreshing. I think you will like it. It's a perfect accompaniment to anything from the grill. Thank you so much for the 5 star rating.

        Reply
    15. Amanda Mason

      April 30, 2018 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good and so unique! I love it! I love that this is low in carbs, too! Love the origination story....all that history is so interesting! Thanks for posing such a unique and yummy recipe!

      Reply
    16. Kate

      May 02, 2018 at 4:46 pm

      Oh my, what a beautiful little salad! So perfect for a summer starter salad. I can't wait to try this. The sweet orange and the salty olives sound so good together!

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 04, 2018 at 5:13 pm

        Kate, this salad is perfect for any summer picnic. The contrast of flavors is amazing. I hope you get to try it soon.

        Reply
    17. dixya @food, pleasure, and health

      May 03, 2018 at 2:20 pm

      i have never heard of this salad but absolutely digging the use of herbs!

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 04, 2018 at 5:12 pm

        Thanks Dixya. It is really tasty.

        Reply
    18. Andrea

      May 05, 2018 at 2:17 am

      This is such a perfect salad for this time of the year, the ingredients combo sounds just about amazing!

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 06, 2018 at 6:56 am

        Thanks Andrea. I think you will like it. Yes, the mixture of ingredients is fabulous.

        Reply
    19. Madi

      May 05, 2018 at 8:04 am

      5 stars
      This is such a gorgeous salad! I love the combination of flavors!

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 06, 2018 at 6:57 am

        Hi Madi, thanks for the compliment, and for the 5 star rating. I think you would like it. Yes, the combo of colors is lovely as well as the taste. 🙂

        Reply
    20. Leslie

      May 06, 2018 at 7:37 am

      So simple! I was looking for a side dish for some grilled steaks tonight, and I think this is the winner!

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 06, 2018 at 9:29 am

        Hi Leslie! Glad you found a side dish for your steaks. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂

        Reply
    21. Michelle

      May 06, 2018 at 2:01 pm

      5 stars
      What a lovely fresh salad, I've tried olives with oranges before so will definitely have to try this!

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 06, 2018 at 4:24 pm

        Hi Michelle! Thanks for the 5 star rating. I hope you like this salad.The flavors are so fresh, and I love the colors. I am all about pretty food. 🙂

        Reply
    22. Anne Murphy

      May 06, 2018 at 4:47 pm

      5 stars
      That sounds delightful! Wonderful contrast in flavors, and so refreshing on a hot day!

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 07, 2018 at 11:39 am

        Thanks for the 5 star rating Anne. Indeed, the contrast of flavors is amazing, as is the contrast of colors. A feast for the eyes, and palate in my opinion. 🙂

        Reply
    23. Kim @ Berly's Kitchen

      May 06, 2018 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      I love how simple this salad sounds! It's so pretty, too. Some of the least amount of ingredients yield the biggest flavors. This is going on my "to try" list. 🙂

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 07, 2018 at 11:41 am

        Kim you are absolutely right, the least amount of ingredients can yield amazing flavors. Thank you for the 5 star rating. I hope you get to try it soon. 🙂

        Reply
    24. Amy Treasure

      May 06, 2018 at 7:08 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe has so many of my favourite ingredients but I would never have thought of putting them together in one dish. Genius! i will try it 🙂

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 07, 2018 at 11:33 am

        Hi Amy. I hope you get to try this salad. It is so unique, and refreshing. Let me know how you like it . Thank you so much for the 5 star rating.

        Reply
    25. Femi. O

      May 06, 2018 at 7:33 pm

      5 stars
      Ooo this flavor combo looks amazing and it especially because this salad combines some of my favorite things (oranges and onion) in the kitchen, I can already imagine how good it tastes. This one actually had me drooling. I totally intend to try this!

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 07, 2018 at 11:36 am

        Hi Femi. Thanks for you comment. I think if you like oranges, and onions, you will love this salad. It is so refreshing. It is one of my favorite side dishes, especially during the warm weather months. By the way, thank you for the 5 star rating.

        Reply
    26. Matt Kearns

      May 06, 2018 at 10:34 pm

      5 stars
      I love how simple this salad is! I love oranges and this dish is calling my name!

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 07, 2018 at 11:38 am

        Hi Matt. thanks so much for the 5 star rating. I hope you get to try this dish, especially now that the warm weather is upon us, finally.

        Reply
    27. Stosh Dlugolenski

      October 28, 2019 at 9:15 am

      Wow!! The olives and oranges create a most delicious flavor, came upon this yesterday and made it. Fantastic

      Reply
    28. Amy

      June 18, 2023 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      I love sweet and salty salads like this one. The oranges, olives and red onions were delicious together. I'll be making this one all summer long.

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 19, 2023 at 10:01 am

        Thanks Amy! I love sweet and salty together too!

        Reply
    29. Ann

      June 18, 2023 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      I have not tried something like this before, but looks and sounds super tasty! Excited to give it a try! Thanks for the recipe share!

      Reply
    30. Jamie

      June 18, 2023 at 6:08 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my, this salad dish looks so delicious and very tasty! The presentation makes this so enticing and very tempting! Many will gonna love and enjoy eating this!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 19, 2023 at 10:00 am

        Thanks Jamie! This is one of my favorite summer salads!

        Reply
    31. Amy Liu Dong

      June 19, 2023 at 10:02 am

      5 stars
      I have never tried to make an orange salad for a while now and this one looks really delicious!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 20, 2023 at 12:55 pm

        This one is really great with the homemade dressing and extra mint gives it such a pop of flavor.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

    Monthly Featured - Cuban Food

    • A photo of ropa vieja in a striped bowl with tostones on the side.
      Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe
    • A photo of pastelitos de guava on a green plate with coffee cup in the background.
      Pastelitos de Guava
    • A photo of Cuban boliche on a white platter with fried plantains on the side.
      How to Make Cuban Boliche
    • A photo of vaca frita on a white plate with caramelized onions and slices limes.
      Cuban Vaca Frita - Latin Style Flank Steak

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Recipe Index

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ

    Our site contains affiliate links to help maintain our publishing activities. If you make a purchase from a link on our site, we may receive a small percentage of that sale, at no extra cost to you. Ethnicspoon.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Copyright © 2025 Website managed by SiteCare.com