Citrus Fennel and Arugula Salad with Toasted Sesame Dressing
Indulge in a refreshing and vibrant Citrus Fennel and Arugula Salad that combines the zesty flavors of fresh lemons and oranges with the crispness of fennel and peppery arugula. Topped with crunchy pecans and stuffed green olives, this salad is drizzled with a homemade toasted sesame dressing that elevates the dish with nutty undertones and a tangy kick. Perfect for a light meal or as an accompanying dish at any gathering, this salad is not just nutritious but a feast for the senses. Share this with friends and delight in the combination of textures and flavors that promise to brighten up your day!
4
Servings
145
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemons
2 (peeled, all pith removed)
oranges
2 (peeled, all pith removed)
fennel bulbs
1 large or 2 small (thinly sliced)
rocket (arugula)
6.5 ounces (washed, dried, torn into small pieces)
pecans
3.5 ounces (chopped)
stuffed green olives
1/2 cup (halved lengthwise)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (toasted)
olive oil
1/4 cup
white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
French mustard
1 teaspoon
salt
to taste
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Using a sharp knife, cut the lemons and oranges into thin slices, ensuring any seeds are removed.
2
Take the fennel, trim any tough tops, and slice it thinly to highlight its delicate flavor.
3
In a large bowl, wash the rocket leaves thoroughly, then dry and tear them into bite-sized pieces.
4
To prepare the Toasted Sesame Dressing, heat the sesame oil over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add sesame seeds and cook, stirring constantly until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
5
In a small container, whisk together the cooled sesame seed mixture with white wine vinegar, French mustard, salt, and ground black pepper to taste until everything is well combined.
6
In a shallow serving bowl, gently combine the sliced citrus fruits, fennel, arugula, chopped pecans, and halved olives.
7
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture just before serving, and toss lightly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this salad?
The salad features a refreshing and vibrant mix of zesty citrus, crisp fennel, and peppery arugula, all tied together by a nutty and tangy toasted sesame dressing.
Is this Citrus Fennel and Arugula Salad vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed for this salad and dressing are gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 145 calories.
What type of citrus fruits are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lemons and 2 oranges, both peeled with the pith removed and sliced thin.
How should the fennel be prepared?
The fennel bulbs should have the tough tops trimmed and then be sliced very thinly.
What is the base green for this salad?
The base is rocket, also known as arugula, which should be washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the ingredients in the toasted sesame dressing?
The dressing consists of sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, olive oil, white wine vinegar, French mustard, salt, and ground black pepper.
How do you prepare the toasted sesame seeds for the dressing?
Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, add the seeds, and stir constantly until they are lightly golden and fragrant.
What type of nuts are included in the salad?
The recipe uses 3.5 ounces of chopped pecans for a crunchy texture.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of stuffed green olives, halved lengthwise.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11.25 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this salad?
Each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
The recipe specifies French mustard, but you could likely substitute with Dijon if needed, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
How should the dressing be combined with the salad?
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the combined citrus, fennel, arugula, pecans, and olives just before serving, tossing lightly to coat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients used in this dish.
Is this salad considered a light meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a light meal and is perfect for a refreshing lunch or side dish.
Should the citrus seeds be removed?
Yes, you should ensure any seeds are removed when slicing the lemons and oranges.
What is the recommended preparation for the arugula?
It should be thoroughly washed, dried, and torn into small, bite-sized pieces.
Do I need to cool the sesame seed mixture before making the dressing?
Yes, the instructions suggest allowing the toasted sesame seed and oil mixture to cool slightly before whisking it with the other dressing ingredients.
How much sesame oil is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for the dressing.
What size fennel bulbs should I use?
You can use 1 large fennel bulb or 2 small fennel bulbs.
Is the sodium content listed?
The specific sodium content is not provided in the nutritional data, though salt is added to taste.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for most home cooks.
What are some suggested tags for this recipe?
Suggested tags include salad, citrus, fennel, arugula, healthy, refreshing, vegan, gluten-free, easy, and light meal.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
When should I add the dressing?
It is best to drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the ingredients.