Fennel Orange Salad

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This Sicilian Orange and Fennel Salad is the quick and easy salad you've been looking for! The crispness of the fennel pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the oranges, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish. It's perfect for a light lunch or an elegant side dish.

Prep Time20

Total Time20

Servings:

Ingredients

2 oranges
1 large fennel (See note 1)
⅓ cup pitted black olives
3 tablespoons (45mls) olive oil
½ -1 teaspoon salt (See note 2)
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Segment the Orange:

Begin by cutting off the top and bottom of the oranges to create a flat surface.
Stand the orange upright and use a sharp knife to cut downwards, removing the peel and the white pith.
Once peeled, hold the orange over a bowl and carefully slice between the membranes to release the orange segments. Set the segments aside in a separate bowl.
Squeeze the juice from the leftover membranes into a small bowl—this will be used for the dressing.

Prepare and Slice the Fennel:

Trim off the fennel stalks and fronds (you can save some fronds for garnish).
Cut the fennel bulb in quarters lengthwise, then remove the tough core from each quarter.
Place the fennel quarters flat-side down and finely slice them into thin, delicate slices.

Make the Dressing:

Combine the orange juice from the leftover membranes with olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then whisk together until well combined.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large serving bowl or platter, arrange the sliced fennel and orange segments.
Scatter the black olives over the salad.
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad, then season with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Garnish and Serve:

If desired, sprinkle some fennel fronds on top for extra flavor and presentation.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour.

Notes

If the fennel lacks the desired freshness and crispness, soak the slices in ice-cold water for 10 minutes before preparing the salad. Be sure to drain them well before adding to the other ingredients.
It's important to taste and season this salad correctly. Salt and pepper will make the flavor sing, so don't skimp.

Add-ins

a few thin slices of red onion
sprinkle of dried oregano

Tips for Success

Take your time when preparing the oranges. Make sure to remove all the bitter white pith, and don’t skip segmenting the fruit—these steps will enhance both the flavor and the overall eating experience.
Remove the fennel core and slice it as thinly as possible for easy eating. Since fennel can discolor and soften quickly, prepare it just before use.
Save the fennel fronds—they make the perfect garnish for this elegant winter salad.
To achieve the best flavor, it's essential to choose high-quality ingredients. With only a few components in this salad, each one should truly stand out

Nutrition