Shaved Fennel & Orange Salad with Pistachios & Mint
My go-to fennel salad recipe! This simple salad with oranges, pistachios & mint is bursting with fresh flavor. A light, bright dish perfect for any meal. Check it out! ... Quick Meals
Alright, let's dive into this fennel salad recipe! ever find yourself staring at a fennel bulb at the greengrocer, wondering what on earth to do with it? well, get ready because this recipe is a game changer.
We're making a shaved fennel & orange salad with pistachios & mint, and trust me, it's divine .
Why You'll Love This Salad
This isn't your average side dish, you know? it's got that perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and just a hint of anise from the fennel.
Think sunshine in a bowl! this fennel grapefruit salad is ideal if you are looking to mix citrus, otherwise the sweetness of the orange complements the fennel perfectly.
A Taste of the Mediterranean
The combination of fennel and orange has its roots in mediterranean cuisine. it’s a classic pairing that's both refreshing and sophisticated.
This salad is easy to make. the total time is about 20 minutes. it yields about 4 servings. perfect for a light lunch or as a notable dinner party salad .
I've found it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Goodness in Every Bite
Honestly, this raw fennel recipes are packed with nutrients. fennel is great for digestion, and oranges are brimming with vitamin c.
You can consider this simple fennel salad a healthy treat. it looks fancy, but it's ridiculously easy to throw together.
It's also perfect for a dinner party salad recipes or even as a side with grilled fish. honestly, give it a go.
Ready for the ingredients? Let’s get started!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this killer shaved fennel salad . Trust me, it's simpler than you think. A great dinner party salad is just around the corner!
Shaved Fennel & Orange Salad with Pistachios & Mint Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment to Make the Perfect Fennel Salad
First, let's gather our goodies.
Main Ingredients
- Fennel bulbs: You'll want 2 medium ones, about 450g total. Look for firm bulbs with no bruises. Fresh is key! Use those feathery fronds too.
- Oranges: Get 2 large, juicy ones, around 300g . Blood oranges? Even better!
- Pistachios: You need 1/4 cup (about 35g ), shelled and roughly chopped. Salty pistachios? Even better.
- Fresh Mint: About 1/4 cup ( 15g ), roughly chopped. Smells divine, right?
- Orange juice: 2 tablespoons (around 30ml ) fresh-squeezed.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (about 15ml ) fresh.
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons (around 30ml ). The good stuff, okay?
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ).
- Honey: Just 1/4 teaspoon (about 2ml ). Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch! Totally optional.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Notes
For seasoning, it's all about balance. the dijon mustard and honey in the vinaigrette work wonders. taste as you go! if you don't have dijon, a little wholegrain mustard will do.
For aromatics, the fresh mint is your star. also consider, for the dinner party salad recipes , add some sumac!
Equipment Needed
Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets for this simple fennel salad .
- A sharp knife: The most important thing.
- Cutting board: Obvious, right?
- Mandoline: If you want super thin fennel slices. A good knife works fine, too.
- Whisk: For the vinaigrette.
- Small bowl: For mixing the vinaigrette.
- Large bowl: For tossing everything together.
See? nothing scary! let's get cooking. the raw fennel recipes are so easy when prepped well. i'm thinking of creating a fennel soup next time.
How does that sound? this citrus fennel salad is also amazing with grapefruit! a fennel grapefruit salad is a refreshing twist.
Okay, right then! Let's dive into making a shaved fennel & orange salad . Honestly, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday. You know?
Cooking Method: Unveiling the Secrets to Perfect Fennel Salad
This ain't your grandma's salad. this fennel grapefruit salad recipe is all about freshness and zing. you can even make it a citrus fennel salad , if you're fancy! i swear, even folks who think they hate fennel end up loving this stuff.
Let's get started, shall we?
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: mise en place . sounds posh, right? basically, get everything ready before you start. chop, slice, measure... you know the drill.
It's a total game changer for speed. essential mise en place means less stress. my grandma used to say, "a tidy cook is a happy cook!" i still use the mandoline she had.
Time-Saving Tips
Peel those oranges ahead of time. trust me. it’ll save you a headache later. for the fennel, the mandoline slicer is your best friend here.
If not, make sure you have a sharp knife ! safety first, darling.
Step-by-Step: From Bulb to Bowl
Alright, grab your apron. It's showtime.
- Prep the Fennel: Shave the fennel bulbs super thin. It should be about 1/8 inch thin. You know, almost see-through. Reserve the fronds.
- Segment the Oranges: No pith allowed! Get those lovely segments ready.
- Make the Vinaigrette: Whisk together all the vinaigrette ingredients. Give it a taste! Does it need more zing? Add a splash of lemon.
- Assemble: Toss fennel, oranges, pistachios, and mint in a bowl.
- Dress it Up: Gently pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Don’t drown it!
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fennel fronds.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game
Want to really impress? Here are a few secrets. Raw fennel recipes are all about texture.
- Toast those pistachios. Just for a few minutes in a dry pan, until fragrant . It amps up the flavour.
- Don’t overdress the salad! Nobody likes a soggy salad.
- Use good olive oil. Honestly, it makes a difference.
- This simple fennel salad can be a part of dinner party salad recipes or a dinner party salad .
Making this salad is a breeze. this is a fennel radish salad at its finest. even better, you can make the vinaigrette a day ahead.
It actually tastes better after sitting for a bit. if you wanna give it a go, give the fennel soup a try too! trust me on that one.
So, there you have it. The only question is, are you ready to make the best fennel salad of your life? Get cooking!
Alright, let's dive into some extra nuggets of wisdom for this fennel salad . honestly, the best recipes are the ones you can tweak and make your own.
So, grab a cuppa, and let's chat!
Recipe Notes
Fab Serving Suggestions
So, you've made this amazing fennel salad . what's next? presentation is key, darlings. i reckon you should pile it high on a pretty plate.
Think pops of colour. serve alongside grilled salmon or a roast chicken. for drinks, a crisp pinot grigio would be dreamy.
Or, you know, a sparkling elderflower cordial for the non-drinkers. this citrus fennel salad really shines with simple pairings. it's one of those dinner party salad recipes that always impresses!
Smart Storage Tips
Right, so you've got leftovers? no worries! pop that fennel salad into an airtight container. into the fridge it goes for up to 2 days.
Honestly, it's best eaten fresh, though. freezing isn't really an option, sadly. it'll get all soggy, and nobody wants that.
To reheat? just give it a gentle toss and add a touch more dressing if it looks a bit dry.
Job's a good'un.
Wicked Variations
Fancy a change? swap out those oranges for grapefruit! a fennel grapefruit salad is a zesty treat. for a vegan twist, swap the honey for maple syrup.
Easy peasy. want something seasonal? try adding some roasted beets in the winter. or maybe some juicy peaches in the summer.
Don't be afraid to experiment with other raw fennel recipes !
Nifty Nutrition Basics
Okay, so this simple fennel salad is pretty healthy. we're talking good fats from the olive oil. plus, fibre from the fennel.
It’s also packed with vitamin c, thanks to the oranges and grapefruit. think of it as a delicious way to get your five-a-day.
If you're looking for more salads recipes with fennel that are also healthy, this is a great starting point!
Well, there you have it! a delicious fennel radish salad that's easy to make and good for you. i hope you love it.
And remember, cooking should be fun. so, get in the kitchen and give it a go! you might even try making a fennel soup later, who knows! you know? honestly, this recipe is a gem for dinner party salad or even a light lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make fennel salad ahead of time? I'm prepping for a dinner party, you see.
While the vinaigrette can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge, it's best to assemble the fennel salad just before serving. Shaved fennel tends to wilt once dressed. Think of it like a proper cuppa – best enjoyed fresh!
What if I don't have a mandoline? Is it still possible to make this fennel and orange salad?
Absolutely! A mandoline slicer makes quick work of shaving the fennel, but a sharp knife and a bit of patience will do the trick. The key is to slice the fennel as thinly as possible for the best texture and flavour. Just channel your inner Gordon Ramsay and take your time!
I'm allergic to nuts. What can I substitute for the pistachios in this fennel salad recipe?
No worries, a nut allergy doesn't mean you have to miss out! Toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds offer a similar crunch and savory note. You could even try adding some toasted breadcrumbs for a bit of texture, just think of it as a little Italian flair!
How long will this fennel salad last in the fridge?
Unfortunately, fennel salad is best eaten right away. Once dressed, the fennel will start to wilt, and the oranges can get a bit soggy. If you have leftovers, they'll be edible for a day, but the texture won't be nearly as good. So, best to make just what you'll eat in one go!
Is fennel salad good for you? I'm trying to eat healthier, and this sounds delicious.
Absolutely! Fennel is low in calories and a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Oranges are packed with Vitamin C as well. This salad is a refreshing and nutritious choice that will easily fit into a healthier diet, so tuck in!
Can I add cheese to this fennel salad? I'm thinking something salty.
You absolutely can! A crumbly feta cheese or salty Pecorino Romano would be a wonderful addition to this fennel salad. The saltiness will play beautifully with the sweet oranges and anise-like flavor of the fennel. Just a sprinkle will elevate the dish wonderfully!
