Citrus Fennel Salad Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the refreshing zing of oranges and fennel with the aromatic herbs mint and parsley, creating a vibrant medley that feels like a sunshine hug in a bowl. Plus, the crunch of toasted almonds and the optional touch of honey add just the right amount of texture and sweetness, making it the perfect guilt-free indulgence for any millennial foodie’s palate!

It’s not that I like making simple food. It’s not that I like making loud food.

I love creating dishes that highlight vibrant flavors and textures, and my Citrus Fennel Salad does just that. Juicy oranges.

Crisp fennel. Tangy red onion.

Harmonized by lemon and olive oil and 10,000 friendly suggestions (e.g., stop slicing the fennel so thinly!) from my husband, this salad is totally scrumptious. And refreshing.

Citrus Fennel Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Oranges: Rich in vitamin C, add sweet and juicy flavor.
• Fennel: Crisp and anise-flavored, aids digestion, low in calories.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, tangy kick and contains antioxidants.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, enhances flavors, smooth texture.
• Lemon Juice: Zesty and tangy, boosts vitamin C and flavor.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Refreshing aroma and taste, soothes digestion.
• Slivered Almonds: Provide crunch, rich in protein and healthy fats.

Citrus Fennel Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 medium oranges
• 1 medium fennel bulb
• 1 small red onion
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• Optional: 1 tablespoon honey

How to Make this Citrus Fennel Salad Recipe

1. Remove the peels and all the white pith from the oranges, and cut the oranges into thin, round slices. Set aside.

2. Cut the fennel bulb. Remove the stalks and fronds. If you want to slice it as thinly as possible, use a mandoline. Otherwise, use a sharp knife.

You can try layering the fennel in different ways if you want to get a little creative. But do be aware that the fronds are just as delicious as the bulb. Don’t throw them out! Use them as a garnish or incorporate them into salads. They are also great for flavoring fish broth. And guess what? Fish, along with a pretty vinegary sauce, is a traditional way of serving up fennel!

3. Remove the skin from the red onion and cut it into very thin, round slices.

4. In an ample salad bowl, blend the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper together well. If you like a little sweetness, blend in some honey.

5. Combine the sliced fennel and red onion in a bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat.

6. Carefully incorporate the orange segments, making sure they are evenly sprinkled throughout.

7. Incorporate the chopped fresh mint and parsley, followed by a gentle toss of the salad to combine all the ingredients.

8. Adjust the taste and make sure the seasoning is to your liking. If not, add salt and pepper.

9. Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds over the salad to provide texture and crunch.

10. Move the salad to a serving dish or bowls, and serve right away. Enjoy your invigorating Citrus Fennel Salad!

Citrus Fennel Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Sharp knife
3. Mandoline (optional, for slicing fennel thinly)
4. Salad bowl
5. Small mixing bowl
6. Measuring spoons
7. Juicer (for fresh lemon juice)
8. Pepper mill (for freshly ground black pepper)
9. Spoon or whisk (for mixing the dressing)
10. Tongs or salad servers (for tossing the salad)

FAQ

• Can I prepare this salad in advance?You can prepare the parts ahead of time, but it’s better to mix them just before serving to preserve the texture and flavor.
• What can I substitute for fennel if I don’t like its flavor?If fennel isn’t your thing, feel free to use one of these alternatives: celery, jicama, or the classic salad ingredient that has been enjoying a renaissance, lettuce.
• Can I use different citrus fruits?Definitely! Grapefruits or blood oranges can impart an unusual taste and aesthetic to the salad.
• Is there a way to make this salad sweeter?To increase the sweetness of the salad, consider adding the optional honey or some extra freshly squeezed orange juice.
• How do I toast slivered almonds?To toast almonds, put them in a dry frying pan and over medium heat and give them a stir every now and then until they turn a golden brown and smell toasty, 3-5 minutes.
• Is there a vegan alternative to honey?Certainly, maple syrup and agave nectar can serve as vegan substitutes for honey.

Citrus Fennel Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Citrus fruits other than oranges may be used in their place. Grapefruit and tangerines provide flavors that are different yet still in line with what one might expect from a recipe calling for oranges.
Fennel bulb: Use crunchy-textured celery or Brussels sprouts for a similar substitute.
Red onion: Replace with shallots or green onions for a less intense flavor.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Try using avocado oil or walnut oil for a different, nuttier profile.
Mint springs from many places across the world, creating a family of fragrant, impossible-to-forget plants.
The aroma of mint is as fresh as the morning dew, and its taste is clean, bright, and a little sweet.
When the weather warms up and spicy flavors call for cooling relief, this herb cuts through the heat to soothe like nothing else.
The following recipe is for a simple mint syrup that can be stored in the refrigerator and used for drinks.
This is also a basic formula for herb syrups, which can be made with any leafy green or woody-stemmed herb you have on hand.
Use the same proportions (1 part herb, 2 parts sugar, 4 parts water) and adjust steeping time according to the strength of flavor you want.
Keep in mind that some herbs, like basil, have a very different flavor profile from mint.
While preparing simple syrups, try to consider how closely related an herb’s flavor is to that of mint or how far afield of mint’s flavor a different herb might be.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing twist, chill your oranges, fennel, and onion slices in the fridge before assembling the salad. This can enhance the crispiness and freshness of the dish, making it more invigorating, especially on a warm day.