Jason Wyrick, executive chef of The Vegan Taste and author of “Vegan Tacos” contributed this recipe to Gene Baur’s “Living the Farm Sanctuary Life” book. 

Says Jason: “This salad, typically made with whatever fresh oranges are on hand and made with blood oranges here, is a popular winter dish throughout the south of Italy.

Fennel and red onion are popular additions, but my favorite version (this one) concentrates on the interplay of the sweetness of the oranges, the saltiness of the olives, the pop of the basil, and the smoothness of the olive oil. It showcases one of the quintessential elements of Italian cuisine, namely that you don’t need complicated recipes to make outstanding food. You only need outstanding ingredients and the willingness to let them speak for themselves.”

Makes 2 servings

Time to Make: 10 minutes

Ingredients

4 blood oranges or oranges of your choice, peeled and carefully chopped into bite size pieces
3 tablespoons chopped oil cured pitted black olives or
1⁄4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
1⁄4 cup finely sliced basil leaves
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons good-quality extra-virgin olive oil (preferably with a peppery finish)
1⁄4 cup thinly sliced fennel, if in season, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, toss together the oranges, olives, basil, pepper, oil, and fennel, if using. Let the salad sit for 5 minutes before serving. Make it low fat by omitting the oil.

Reprinted from “Living the Farm Sanctuary Life” by Gene Baur with Gene Stone. © 2015 by Gene Baur. Photographs © 2015 by Rodale Inc. By Permission of Rodale Books. Available wherever books are sold.

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