Ensalada Murciana (Tomato Salad with Salt Cod and Olives)

In Murcia, tomato salads often make the most of ripe, juicy tomatoes with robust pantry ingredients rather than heavy dressing. Ensalada Murciana brings together flaked salt cod, black olives, onion and hard-boiled egg, giving a chilled salad that is savoury, bright and substantial without feeling heavy. The cod adds clean salinity, the olives bring depth, and sherry vinegar sharpens the sweetness of the tomatoes. Served cool or at room temperature with crusty bread, it works well as a light lunch, a starter, or part of a Spanish-style spread.
Cuisine style Murcian Spanish home cooking
Cooking style Make-ahead friendly • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Clean, balanced dressing: Sherry vinegar sharpens the ripe tomatoes and rich egg, while extra-virgin olive oil rounds out the salad.
  • Salty-savoury depth: Salt cod and olives bring concentrated savoury flavour without needing a cooked sauce or heavy seasoning.
  • Fast to assemble: Only the eggs need cooking; the rest of the dish comes together through simple slicing, soaking and tossing.

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Ingredient notes

  • Check the cod before seasoning: Salt cod varies widely, so taste a small flake after soaking before adding extra salt to the dressing.
  • Use ripe tomatoes: The salad depends on tomato sweetness and juiciness, so choose the ripest tomatoes available.
  • Adjust the vinegar to taste: Use a little more vinegar if the tomatoes are very sweet, or keep it lighter if they are naturally sharp.

Timing notes

  • Brief chilling helps: A short chill lets the tomatoes, cod and dressing settle without making the salad feel fridge-cold.
  • Best cool, not icy: Serve chilled or at cool room temperature so the olive oil stays fragrant and the tomatoes keep their flavour.

Make-ahead tips

  • Add the egg last: For the neatest texture, keep the sliced egg separate and arrange it over the salad just before serving.
  • Best on the day it is made: The salad will keep in the fridge, but the tomatoes gradually soften once dressed.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with crusty bread: Bread is ideal for catching the tomato juices, olive oil and vinegar left at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Finish gently: Arrange the egg slices on top after tossing so they stay intact and give the salad a clean finish.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Put the eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to the boil. Reduce to a gentle boil and cook for 10 minutes, then cool under cold running water and peel.
  2. Rinse the salted cod briefly, then put it in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes to take the edge off the salt. Drain well, pat dry, and flake into bite-sized pieces, checking for any bones.
  3. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and thinly slice the onion. Add both to a mixing bowl with the olives and flaked cod.
  4. Whisk the olive oil and sherry vinegar with the fine sea salt and black pepper, then pour over the salad. Toss gently and taste, adding a touch more fine sea salt only if needed.
  5. Slice the eggs and arrange over the top, then finish with the parsley. Chill for 10 minutes, or serve at cool room temperature.

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Recipe notes

Serving suggestions

This recipe pairs well with:

Crusty bread

Tips

  • Salted cod varies a lot in saltiness, so taste a small flake after soaking and adjust the fine sea salt in the dressing accordingly.
  • For the cleanest slices, chill the peeled eggs for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Food safety: if serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, use eggs stamped with the British Lion mark or an equivalent safety standard.

Substitutions

  • Replace sherry vinegar with red wine vinegar for a slightly fruitier tang.
  • Replace black pitted olives with green pitted olives for a brighter, sharper flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Store covered in the fridge. For best texture, add the sliced egg just before serving; if already mixed, the salad will still keep well but the tomatoes will soften.

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Ensalada Murciana (Tomato Salad with Salt Cod and Olives)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 25min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Spanish
  • Allergens:
    Eggs Fish
Beginner friendly With serving suggestions

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