Murcian salad, also known as moje murciano, is a treasured staple of Spanish cuisine. It’s a dish that brings back memories of Murcia’s vibrant spring festivals and cozy summer meals with my family. Simple yet flavorful, this humble salad showcases the best Mediterranean ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh bread. Whether enjoyed during Murcia’s Fiestas de Primavera or at a casual summer lunch, it never fails to delight.

What is Murcian Salad (Moje Murciano)?

Murcian salad is a traditional cold dish from the southeastern Spanish Region of Murcia. It’s often referred to as mojete or moje murciano, but in my home, we call it ensalada murciana. This salad is beloved for its versatility and reliance on pantry staples, making it perfect for any season. Traditionally made with preserved tomatoes, tuna, olives, onions, and boiled eggs, the flavors meld together beautifully with a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Murcian Salad

To make an authentic Murcian salad, you’ll need these key ingredients:

• Canned Tomatoes: A must for this dish. Opt for homemade tomato preserves if you have them, as they elevate the flavor.
• Tuna or Cod: While canned tuna is standard, some families prefer the briny touch of salted cod.
• Boiled Eggs: Adds creaminess and richness to the salad.
• Black or Green Olives: For a salty, savory kick.
• Onion: Thinly sliced, for a bit of crunch and sharpness.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The backbone of Mediterranean cuisine, crucial for the salad’s dressing.
• Fresh Bread: Not an ingredient in the salad itself, but essential for soaking up the juices.

Step-by-Step Murcian Salad Recipe

1. Prepare the Base: Drain a can of preserved tomatoes, breaking them into bite-sized pieces in a bowl.
2. Add the Tuna: Flake the tuna into the bowl, mixing it gently with the tomatoes.
3. Incorporate the Extras: Add thinly sliced onion, olives, and boiled egg wedges.
4. Season Generously: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Adjust to taste.
5. Let it Rest: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving.
6. Serve with Bread: Pair the salad with crusty bread to soak the flavorful juices.

Tips to Enjoy It Like a Local

• Seasonal Favorites: In Murcia, Murcian salad shines during the spring festivals and summer meals when the days are long and lively.
• Variations: Some families mash the tomatoes slightly or swap tuna for shredded salt cod for a saltier twist.
• Pairings: Serve with other Spanish classics like zarangollo or a glass of chilled white wine.

FAQs About Murcian Salad

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
  Yes, but canned or preserved tomatoes provide a richer, more traditional flavor.
• How long does it last?
  Murcian salad keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
• What are good substitutions for tuna?
  Salted cod or even smoked mackerel work wonderfully for a different take.

Related Spanish Recipes to Try

• Zarangollo: A Murcian zucchini and onion stir-fry.
• Pipirrana: A refreshing Andalusian tomato and pepper salad.
• Ensaladilla Rusa: Spain’s beloved potato and vegetable salad.

Benefits of This Mediterranean Delight

Murcian salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also healthy and budget-friendly. With its simple ingredients and olive oil-rich dressing, it’s a heart-healthy dish full of antioxidants, omega-3s, and vitamins. Plus, its quick preparation makes it ideal for busy days.

Conclusion: A Year-Round Spanish Favorite

Whether served during Murcia’s lively festivals or a casual summer picnic, Murcian salad captures the heart of Spanish cuisine: simple, fresh, and full of flavor. With just a few pantry staples and a bit of love, you can bring a taste of Murcia to your table. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Murcian Salad Recipe: 3 Tips to Perfect it

Murcian salad, also known as moje murciano, is a treasured staple of Spanish cuisine. It’s a dish that brings back memories of Murcia’s vibrant spring festivals and cozy summer meals with my family. Simple yet flavorful, this humble salad showcases the best Mediterranean ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh bread. Whether enjoyed during Murcia’s Fiestas de Primavera or at a casual summer lunch, it never fails to delight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Chilling Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) Peeled tomatoes (preferably preserved or high-quality canned tomatoes)
• 2 Hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
• 1 can (4 oz / 120 g) Tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
• Medium onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (75 g) Black or green olives, pitted
• 4 tbsp (60 ml) Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Tomatoes

  Drain the canned tomatoes and cut them into bite-sized chunks. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the Tuna

  Open the can of tuna, drain it, and gently flake it with a fork. Add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
• Incorporate the Onion

  Thinly slice the onion into rings or half-moons. Add these to the mix for a sharp, crunchy element.
• Add the Olives and Eggs

  Toss in the olives, then gently fold in the hard-boiled egg quarters, keeping them intact as much as possible for presentation.
• Season and Dress

  Drizzle the salad with the extra virgin olive oil and add a pinch of salt. Mix everything gently to combine.
• Chill and Serve

  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
• Serve

  Serve chilled, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Notes

Extra Tips for Success

• Quality Counts: Use the best-canned tomatoes and olive oil you can find. They make all the difference.
• Make Ahead: The salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Keyword Murcian Salad