ZESTY FENNEL AND ORANGE SALAD
This fennel and orange salad is a beautifully fresh and vibrant dish, perfect for adding a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your meals. The crisp, slightly sweet aniseed flavour of fennel pairs wonderfully with the juicy, tangy citrus of orange, creating a light yet satisfying balance of flavours. Drizzled with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing and finished with fragrant parsley, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve it as a side dish, appetiser or a refreshing light meal on warm days. It’s quick to prepare, nutrient-dense and bursting with bright, zesty goodness.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Appetiser, Side Dish, Light Meal, Brunch
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean, Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, Quick & Easy, One-Bowl
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Spring, Summer, Easter, Picnic, Light Dinner, Dinner Party
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Low-Fat, Dairy-Free
DISH TYPE
Salad, Appetiser, Side
INGREDIENTS
The following are the ingredients we need to prepare this zesty fennel and orange salad.
- 1/4 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1/2 orange, segmented
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fats: 4g
- Fibre: 3g
- Sodium: 80mg
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Fennel: Thinly slice the fennel bulb using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
- Segment The Orange: Peel the orange and carefully cut out the segments, removing any membrane.
- Make The Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Assemble The Salad: Arrange the fennel and orange segments on a plate. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Dress And Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly before serving.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
None
TIPS
Here are some tips to help you prepare this zesty fennel and orange salad.
- Use Fresh Fennel: Look for firm bulbs with bright green fronds for the best flavour.
- Chill For Extra Crispness: Refrigerate sliced fennel for 10 minutes before serving.
- Enhance Sweetness: Drizzle with a teaspoon of honey if you prefer a sweeter balance.
- Thinly Slice For Texture: Using a mandoline ensures ultra-thin, delicate fennel slices.
- Pair With Protein: Add grilled prawns or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle with toasted almonds or crushed pistachios for crunch.
VARIATIONS
- Cheese Addition: Crumble feta or goat cheese over the salad for extra creaminess.
- Nutty Crunch: Add toasted walnuts, almonds or pine nuts.
- Extra Greens: Toss with arugula or spinach for a fuller salad.
- Spice It Up: A dash of chilli flakes or sumac adds a bold twist.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Keep Dressing Separate: For meal prep, store the dressing separately and mix before serving.
- Avoid Freezing: The texture of fennel and oranges doesn’t hold up well to freezing.
- Best Served Fresh: The flavours and textures are best within a few hours of preparation.
- Rehydrate Leftovers: Refresh the salad with a splash of extra lemon juice if stored overnight.