National Dish Spain: Remojón Granadino (Recipe)
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Soak up the sun-drenched flavours of Andalusia with Remojón Granadino, a bright and refreshing salad from the city of Granada. It brings together juicy oranges, savoury salt cod and briny olives in a dish that balances sweet, sour and salty notes in every mouthful. Light, colourful and wonderfully easy to throw together, it makes a perfect starter or a relaxed light lunch on a warm, sunny day.
About Remojón Granadino
Remojón Granadino is a Spanish national dish from the region of Granada. This exotic salad pairs fresh citrus fruit with hearty salt cod and olives, striking a perfect balance between sweet, sour and salty flavours. Its light and refreshing character makes it ideal either as a starter or as a relaxed light main course. Few dishes capture the easy, sun-soaked spirit of Andalusian cooking quite so well.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 oranges
- 200g cod (salted and soaked)
- 1 small red onion
- 50g black olives
- 50ml olive oil
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 pinch of pepper
- 1 tsp vinegar
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for Remojón Granadino, make sure the oranges are fresh and juicy. The cod should already be salted to guarantee that characteristic flavour. Look out for good-quality olives, as they contribute a great deal to the taste of the dish. Use extra virgin olive oil to bring out the aromas at their best.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Remojón Granadino is fairly simple and takes very little time. First, the oranges need to be peeled and cut into slices. The salt cod should be flaked into small pieces once it has been soaked thoroughly to draw out the excess salt. The onion is sliced into thin rings, and the olives can either be left whole or halved.
Step-by-step instructions
- Arrange the oranges in a large salad bowl.
- Scatter the flaked cod over the top.
- Add the onion rings and olives.
- Season with olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
- Mix everything together well and leave to rest for 15 minutes so the flavours can mingle.
- Taste again before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Remojón Granadino is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, since it consists mainly of fresh ingredients such as oranges, cod, olives and onions. Even so, take care that all the products you use — particularly the salted cod and the olive oil — contain no hidden ingredients that might include gluten or lactose. This makes it a reassuring choice for guests with intolerances.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegetarian version, the cod can be swapped for griddled aubergine or tofu. Vegans can also replace the onion with spring onions for a milder note. Experiment with different vegetables and dressings to create your own perfect Remojón Granadino — the bright citrus base lends itself beautifully to plant-based twists.
More tips and tricks
To deepen the flavour, let the salad rest a little longer in the fridge after you have assembled it. For extra crunch, scatter over some toasted almonds or seeds. Be sure to slice the onions very thinly so they distribute evenly throughout the salad. A squeeze of lime juice can give the dish a further lift, much like the citrus brightness in a Pollo Asado al Limón.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Remojón Granadino adapts very well to individual preferences. If you like things spicier, add chilli flakes or paprika. For a sweeter touch, drizzle a little honey over the salad. The quantity of olives or onion can also be varied to suit your taste, so the dish always lands exactly where you want it.
Ingredient substitutions
Instead of cod you can use other types of fish such as salmon or tuna — the same flaky cod that stars in an Ensalada de Bacalao. For a vegetarian version, griddled halloumi or feta works well. If you are not keen on black olives, swap them for green olives or Kalamata olives.
Drink pairing ideas
A chilled white wine or a crisp rosé goes wonderfully with Remojón Granadino. A cold beer can also complement the salad’s flavours beautifully. For an alcohol-free option, try a glass of orange juice or sparkling water with slices of lemon.
Serving and presentation ideas
Remojón Granadino is best presented in a large salad bowl. Decorate the rim with orange slices and fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley. Use a wooden spoon to serve, underlining the dish’s rustic character. A final garnish of lemon zest can round it off both visually and in flavour.
A bit of history
Remojón Granadino has its roots in Andalusian cuisine and is a classic dish of the city of Granada. It was originally prepared by fishermen looking to use up their supplies. The salad reflects the cultural diversity of Andalusia, blending Moorish influences with traditional Spanish ingredients — a hallmark of Spanish cuisine. Today it stands as a symbol of the region’s culinary heritage.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Remojón Granadino
Remojón Granadino is a refreshing, exotic salad from Andalusia that wins you over with its simple preparation and its many ways to adapt. With fresh oranges, salted cod and good-quality olives, it is a culinary highlight for any occasion. Experiment with the ingredients and tailor the recipe to your own preferences to achieve the perfect taste experience.
