A Bright & Refreshing Delight
There’s something magical about the combination of crisp fennel and juicy oranges. The sweet citrusy burst, paired with the subtle anise-like crunch of fennel, makes this salad an instant favorite in our kitchen. We first fell in love with this Mediterranean classic during a trip to Italy, where it was served as a simple yet elegant starter. Ever since then, it has become one of our go-to salads—whether for a light lunch, a refreshing side, or a dinner party showstopper!
Why Fennel? The Underrated Star
Fennel is one of those ingredients that people either love or haven’t quite discovered yet. If you haven’t tried it before, this salad is the perfect introduction! Raw fennel has a crisp texture and a mild licorice flavor that becomes even sweeter when paired with citrus. It’s light, crunchy, and refreshingly aromatic—just the thing to balance out the juicy oranges. Plus, fennel is packed with antioxidants and fiber, making it as nutritious as it is delicious!
Fennel Fun Fact: Fennel has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to aid digestion and boost overall gut health!
Oranges: The Sweet & Juicy Contrast
Nothing brightens up a salad quite like fresh oranges. Their natural sweetness enhances the fennel’s subtle earthiness, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. We love using a mix of varieties—navel oranges for their classic sweetness, blood oranges for a pop of color, or even mandarins for an extra juicy bite. No matter which ones you choose, make sure they’re ripe and bursting with flavor!
Citrus Tip: To get the juiciest slices, use a sharp knife to cut away the peel and pith, then slice the orange into segments.
The Perfect Dressing: Simple, Yet Flavorful
A salad like this doesn’t need a heavy dressing—just a light drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. That’s it! The citrus juice naturally enhances the flavors, while the olive oil adds a smooth, silky richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a splash of white wine vinegar or a drizzle of honey can elevate the dressing even further.
Dressing Hack: A tiny bit of Dijon mustard can add a subtle tang and help the dressing cling to the ingredients!
Fresh Herbs for a Flavor Boost
To take this salad up a notch, we love adding fresh herbs. A handful of chopped mint or parsley brings in an extra layer of freshness, while a sprinkle of fennel fronds (the feathery green tops of the fennel bulb) adds a delicate, anise-like aroma. These little touches make all the difference, turning a simple salad into something truly special!
Herb Tip: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, try adding a little bit of fresh basil or even arugula for a peppery twist.
The Crunch Factor: Nuts & More
A little crunch makes everything better, and this salad is no exception! Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios bring a nutty contrast to the soft citrus and fennel. If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, a handful of pomegranate seeds adds an irresistible burst of sweetness and color.
Pro Tip: Toasting your nuts in a dry pan for a minute or two enhances their natural oils and intensifies the flavor!
How to Serve It
This Fennel and Orange Salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a light appetizer, pair it with grilled tofu or tempeh for a more filling meal, or enjoy it alongside Mediterranean-inspired dishes like hummus and warm pita bread. It’s also a perfect palate cleanser between courses at a dinner party!
Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé complements the salad’s bright and citrusy flavors beautifully.
Why We Love It
What we love most about this salad is how effortlessly elegant it is. It’s simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor, yet it feels sophisticated enough to serve on special occasions. Plus, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best dishes come from just a few quality ingredients. Whether you’re a fennel fanatic or trying it for the first time, we guarantee this Fennel and Orange Salad will become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Ready to brighten up your plate? Grab some fresh fennel and oranges, and let’s make magic happen!
Ingredients
- 1 large fennel bulb thinly sliced (reserve fronds for garnish)
- 2 large oranges
- 2 cups mixed greens optional
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves chopped
For the Citrus Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice from about 1/2 orange
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oranges: Using a sharp knife, cut off the top and bottom of each orange. Stand the orange on one of the flat ends and carefully slice off the peel and white pith, following the curve of the fruit.
- Working over a bowl to catch the juice, cut between the membranes to release the orange segments. Set the segments aside and reserve the juice for the vinaigrette.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, and honey (or maple syrup).
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the thinly sliced fennel on two plates.
- Add the orange segments and any reserved juice evenly over the fennel.
- Top with the sliced red onion and chopped fresh mint leaves.
- If using, place a handful of mixed greens on each plate for added texture and flavor.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
- Garnish with fennel fronds for a touch of green and added flavor.
Notes
Here are some frequently asked questions about our Fennel and Orange Salad:
Can I Use a Different Type of Orange?
Absolutely! While navel oranges work great, blood oranges or mandarins add a beautiful color and extra sweetness. Feel free to mix and match!
Do I Have to Use Raw Fennel?
Raw fennel gives this salad its signature crisp texture, but if you prefer a milder flavor, you can lightly sauté or roast the fennel before adding it to the salad.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes! This salad pairs well with additions like avocado, toasted almonds, pomegranate seeds, or even a sprinkle of feta or vegan cheese for extra depth.
What Dressing Works Best?
A simple citrus vinaigrette with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey or maple syrup enhances the natural flavors. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a richer taste.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, but for the best texture, slice the fennel and oranges ahead of time and store them separately. Toss everything together with the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
What Greens Pair Well with This Salad?
This salad is lovely on its own but can be served over arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
We hope these tips help you enjoy a fresh and flavorful Fennel and Orange Salad! Happy eating!
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