National Dish Spain: Ensalada de Bacalao (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Ensalada de Bacalao, a fresh and sunny salad that captures the flavours of the Spanish Mediterranean! This bright dish brings together tender salt cod, crisp vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette for a light, satisfying plate. It is the perfect thing for warm summer days or as a refreshing side, and it carries the easygoing spirit of Spanish home cooking straight to your table.
About Ensalada de Bacalao
Ensalada de Bacalao is a classic Spanish dish that bottles up the flavours of the Mediterranean. This fresh take on a salad pairs tender cod with crunchy vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette. Traditionally the cod is first salted and cured before being flaked, which draws out its full depth of flavour. Ideal for warm summer days or as a light side dish, this salad delivers the easy, generous character of Spanish cooking with every forkful.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 150 g cod (salted)
- 1 red pepper
- 1 green pepper
- 1 small onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (such as balsamic)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A few olives, to garnish (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
When making Ensalada de Bacalao, choosing fresh, good-quality ingredients makes all the difference. Ideally, look for the cod in the chilled fish counter rather than the freezer, as this gives you the best texture and flavour. Pay just as much attention to the vegetables, since the freshness of every component is what carries the taste of the salad. If you can, visit a local market to track down top-quality, seasonal produce.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Ensalada de Bacalao comes down to a few simple steps done in the right order. First, soak the salt cod in cold water for several hours to draw out the excess salt. Once that is done, wash the vegetables and chop them into small, even dice. The onion and garlic clove should be finely chopped so their flavour spreads evenly through the dish. This bit of groundwork ensures all the flavours sit together in balance.
Step-by-step instructions
- Rinse the cod, then poach it gently in water until cooked through (about 10 minutes).
- Chop the vegetables (peppers and onion) into small pieces and tip them into a large bowl.
- Flake the cooked cod into pieces and add it to the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper, then pour it over the salad.
- Toss everything well and chill in the fridge for around 30 minutes to let the flavours mingle.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, adding a few olives if you like.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Ensalada de Bacalao is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, as it contains no dairy and no gluten-bearing ingredients. That makes it a brilliant choice for anyone with those intolerances. It is still worth checking the labelling when you shop, just to be sure no hidden allergens have slipped in, particularly with the vinegar or olives. Enjoy this dish with complete peace of mind — and irresistible flavour.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although the traditional Ensalada de Bacalao is built around cod, there are some tempting plant-based ways to enjoy it too. Substitutes such as seitan or tofu make excellent stand-ins as a protein, especially when marinated and prepared in much the same way as the fish. Round the salad out with extra vegetables like avocado or chickpeas to create a balanced, fully vegan meal that still feels generous and complete.
More tips and tricks
To get the most from your Ensalada de Bacalao, let the salad rest and chill thoroughly before serving. This resting time lets the vegetables soak up the vinaigrette and deepens the whole combination of flavours. That said, add the dressing only shortly before serving if you want the vegetables to stay extra crisp. For a special touch, try blending a couple of different olive oils to create your own signature flavour.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Ensalada de Bacalao is wonderfully easy to tailor to your own preferences. Feel free to fold in different vegetables — cucumber, tomato or even artichokes all work beautifully. If you like a bit of heat, a little fresh chilli brings welcome warmth. By tweaking the recipe creatively you can shape it exactly to your liking, much as the cooks behind classics like Alcachofas con Jamón reach for whatever is best at the market.
Ingredient substitutions
If cod is hard to come by, other fish such as tuna or mackerel make a fine alternative for your Ensalada de Bacalao, in the same spirit as a hearty Bacalao con Pasas. Smoked fish can lend the salad an intriguing extra note as well. For a completely fish-free version, a mix of smoked tofu and seaweed does a clever job of mimicking that briny, sea-fresh aroma. Stay flexible with your choices and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Drink pairing ideas
The perfect partner for Ensalada de Bacalao is a chilled, refreshing white wine that echoes the dish’s bright flavours. A classic Albariño or Verdejo is a lovely match for the fresh ingredients. If you would rather skip the alcohol, a zingy lemon-and-mint cooler or simply cold sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon works a treat. These pairings sharpen the flavours and make the meal feel that bit more festive.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present Ensalada de Bacalao at its best, reach for large, shallow plates or wide bowls. Arrange the ingredients artfully and finish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. A scattering of olives adds a handsome splash of colour against the peppers, much as a vibrant side of Pimientos del Bierzo brightens any table. A beautiful presentation lifts the whole experience and makes every bite taste even better.
A bit of history
Ensalada de Bacalao has its roots deep in Spanish cuisine and is often tied to the country’s maritime traditions. With its pairing of salt cod and fresh vegetables, the dish reflects the simple yet delicious ingredients at the heart of Mediterranean eating. It was once a favourite in coastal communities, where fresh fish was always close at hand. Today it remains a symbol of Spanish hospitality, still served at gatherings and celebrations.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Ensalada de Bacalao
Ensalada de Bacalao is a delicious, wholesome dish that carries the lovely flavours of the Mediterranean into your own home. With a well-chosen list of ingredients and a little care in the preparation, it is not only simple to put together but a genuine pleasure to eat. Whether you serve it as a light meal or as a refreshing side, Ensalada de Bacalao stays flexible and easy to adapt. Let this Spanish tradition inspire you, and enjoy its bright, refreshing taste.
