Citrus Fennel Delight Salad
Brighten your meal with this refreshing Citrus Fennel Delight Salad, featuring the vibrant flavors of blood oranges and the crispness of fresh fennel. Perfect as a light appetizer or a vibrant side dish, this salad combines sweet, tangy, and savory elements for a truly delightful experience. Drizzled with a homemade vinaigrette infused with fresh basil and garlic, it's not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a healthy lunch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
blood oranges
3 (peeled and segmented)
large fennel bulb
1 (sliced thinly)
white wine vinegar
4 teaspoons (none)
fresh basil
4 teaspoons (finely chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Citrus Fennel Delight Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant salad that combines the sweetness of blood oranges with the crisp texture of fresh fennel, finished with a homemade basil and garlic vinaigrette.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this Citrus Fennel Delight Salad are plant-based, making it entirely vegan.
Is the Citrus Fennel Delight Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as it contains only fruits, vegetables, oil, and vinegar.
What are the main ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include blood oranges, a large fennel bulb, white wine vinegar, fresh basil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
Can I substitute blood oranges with regular oranges?
Yes, if blood oranges are not in season, you can use navel oranges, Cara Cara oranges, or even grapefruit for a different citrus profile.
How do I prepare the fennel for this salad?
The fennel bulb should be sliced very thinly. Using a mandoline slicer is the best way to achieve the desired crispness.
What kind of dressing is used for this recipe?
The salad is dressed with a simple vinaigrette made from extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, and finely chopped fresh basil.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
While it is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the fennel, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and mix them just before serving.
What can I serve with Citrus Fennel Delight Salad?
It works perfectly as a light appetizer, a side dish for grilled fish or roasted chicken, or as a refreshing component of a healthy lunch.
How much olive oil is in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Does this recipe contain added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the blood oranges and the fennel.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but if you must use dried, use about 1 and 1/2 teaspoons instead of the 4 teaspoons of fresh.
How many blood oranges do I need?
The recipe requires 3 blood oranges, which should be peeled and segmented.
Is this recipe low in sodium?
The recipe uses only 1/4 teaspoon of salt for the entire dish, making it relatively low in sodium.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, you can easily add grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or sliced chicken breast to make it a more substantial meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
What does fennel taste like in a salad?
Fennel has a mild, sweet, and slightly anise or licorice-like flavor that pairs beautifully with citrus.
What vinegar is best for the dressing?
The recipe calls for white wine vinegar, which provides a clean acidity without altering the bright colors of the salad.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
Yes, toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or walnuts would add a wonderful crunch to the salad.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Is the garlic raw in the vinaigrette?
Yes, the recipe uses one minced clove of raw garlic to infuse the dressing with a sharp, savory flavor.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
If you are not following a vegan diet, crumbled feta or goat cheese would be a delicious addition.
How do I segment an orange?
Cut off both ends of the orange, slice away the peel and pith, and then use a knife to cut between the membranes to release the segments.
Is this salad refreshing for summer?
Absolutely, the combination of citrus and crisp fennel makes it a very refreshing choice for warm weather.
What part of the fennel bulb do I use?
You use the white and light green bulb. You can also save the green feathery fronds to use as a garnish.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is nutrient-packed, featuring healthy fats from olive oil and high vitamin C content from the oranges.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?
Yes, fresh lemon juice can be substituted for white wine vinegar for an even more citrus-forward flavor.
How much basil is needed?
You will need 4 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh basil.
What is the texture of this salad?
The salad is a mix of juicy, tender orange segments and crunchy, crisp fennel slices.
Can I omit the garlic?
Yes, if you prefer a milder dressing, you can omit the garlic or use a small amount of shallot instead.