The most refreshing of winter salads, this recipe for Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad is a delight. This great recipe is vibrant and bursting with fresh flavors from the sweet and juicy oranges, crunchy fennel, red onions, and tart pomegranate arils. It’s a delicious flavor combination perfect for a dinner party or any special occasion.
Originally published March 11, 2019, updated February 2024.
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The crispness of fennel and red onion, the sweet oranges , and a hint of tartness from pomegranate seeds come together to create a delightful winter salad, embodying the simplicity and freshness of Sicilian cooking.
This easy fennel salad, featuring a bounty of citrus fruits readily available in the season, is a testament to the vibrant flavors that define Sicilian salads, such as the Sicilian orange salad or the Italian fennel salad recipe. Another fantastic citrus salad is this Beet, Orange, Kumquat and Quinoa Salad.
Whether you opt for a mix of blood, navel, and Cara Cara oranges or throw in a tangy grapefruit, this fennel salad with oranges is not only a feast for the palate but also a vegan and gluten-free option that complements any meal. Inspired by the traditional fennel and orange salad, this dish captures the essence of Sicilian cuisine with its emphasis on freshness, making it a perfect side for seafood or braised meats.
I'm sharing this fennel citrus salad for my personal record and for my kids to one day look back on and feel connected somehow through a recipe with their Nonno Rosario and their ancestors from the most splendid island in the world: Sicilia.
See what else I shared for #ProjectSicilia in 2019:
January: Sicilian Savoiardi Cookies
February: Sicilian Pignolata-Italian Honey Balls
💖 Why You'll Love This Shaved Fennel Salad
- Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: This fennel salad recipe stands out for its ease of preparation. With no cooking required and minimal prep work, you can have a gourmet side dish or light meal ready in minutes. Just slice the fennel bulbs thinly, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil for dressing, and you're set.
- Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: The crisp texture of shaved fennel combined with the zesty kick of fresh lemon juice and the smooth richness of extra virgin olive oil creates a taste sensation that's both refreshing and satisfying.
- Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, the fennel bulbs and fronds in this salad don't just offer incredible flavor but also contribute to a healthy diet.
- Versatility: Whether it's served alongside your main course or enjoyed on its own for a light lunch, this fennel salad is as flexible as it is delicious.
- Colorful Presentation: The bright greens of the fennel against the citrus hues make this dish a feast for the eyes, perfect for impressing guests or brightening up your mealtime.
Combining thinly sliced fennel with lemon juice and olive oil not only makes for an easy and quick assembly but also ensures a dish full of flavor and health benefits. The extra virgin olive oil envelops the ingredients in a luxurious coat, enhancing the natural tastes and making this salad a must-try for any occasion.
🛒 Ingredients for this Italian fennel salad
Here are the fresh and vibrant ingredients you will need for this delightful salad:
- Fennel (1 bulb, thinly sliced): Fennel's aniseed flavor adds a refreshing crunch to the salad and pairs perfectly with the sweet oranges.
- Oranges (3, peeled and sliced): The sweet and tangy flavor of oranges gives this salad a burst of freshness. Opt for navel oranges for the best taste and texture.
- Red Onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): Red onions add a hint of sharpness, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Pomegranate seeds(1, deseeded): The arils provide a sweet-tart pop of flavor, plus they add a beautiful jewel-like appearance to the dish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): This will dress the salad, giving it a rich, smooth texture and adding a subtly fruity taste.
- Lemon (1, juiced): Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the salad, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): These seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the salad ingredients. Always season to your taste.
- Fresh Mint (a handful, chopped): Adds a fresh, cool flavor that complements the citrus and fennel wonderfully.
🍽️ How to Make Italian Fennel Salad
Follow these simple steps to assemble your Sicilian Salad:
- Prep the ingredients: Thinly slice the fennel bulb and red onion, peel and slice the oranges, and deseed the pomegranate to extract the arils. Chop up a handful of fresh mint.
- Dress the salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, add the sliced fennel, oranges, and red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
- Add the dressing: Drizzle the olive oil and lemon dressing over the salad. Toss again gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Garnish the salad: Sprinkle the pomegranate arils and chopped mint over the salad for the final touches.
- Serve: The salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy this fresh, vibrant salad as a side dish or a light, healthy meal on its own.
📃 NOTE: Recipe card with detailed instructions are below! Print it out for later!
What to Serve it With
This Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes:
- Seafood: The fresh, tangy flavors complement grilled or baked fish.
- Chicken: It pairs well with roast chicken, whether it's a simple Sunday roast or a more elaborate dish like chicken stuffed with feta and spinach.
- Pasta: Serve it alongside a pasta dish like spaghetti aglio e olio for a complete Sicilian-inspired meal.
- Vegetarian: For a vegetarian meal, pair the salad with a creamy risotto. The contrasting textures and flavors will delight your palate.
🫙Storing Tips for this simple salad recipe
Storing this salad correctly can extend its freshness and maintain its crisp texture. Here are some helpful tips:
- Separate Components: If you have leftovers or are prepping the salad in advance, store the undressed salad and the dressing separately. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
- Refrigerate: Place the undressed salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dressing should also be refrigerated in a separate, sealed container.
- Use within 3 Days: For the best taste and texture, consume the salad within three days of preparing it.
- Add Dressing Just Before Serving: When ready to serve, take the salad and dressing out of the fridge, drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss gently to combine.
📃 Substitutions/Variations
- Citrus Variations: Swap the oranges for grapefruit or blood orange for a tangy twist.
- Herb Variations: While mint adds a fresh note to this salad, you could also use fresh dill or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Use Arugula: Add some arugula for a peppery note and to make the salad more filling.
☑️ Lora's Tips
- To get the most juice out of your lemon, roll it on the countertop before cutting and squeezing.
- When slicing the fennel, save the fronds (the dill-like tops) to use as an additional garnish. They have a lovely, delicate flavor.
- If you want to prep the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve so the ingredients stay crisp.
- Storing your Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad in this way will ensure you can enjoy its fresh, vibrant flavors for as long as possible!
❓FAQ'S
Fennel's unique aniseed flavor pairs exceptionally well with citrus fruits like orange and lemon. It also complements the flavors of apple, celery, cucumber, and herbs such as dill and mint. For proteins, fennel is a great match for both fish and chicken.
A fennel salad is a fresh and vibrant salad primarily made from thinly sliced fennel bulbs. It often includes other ingredients such as citrus fruits, pomegranate, and herbs, paired with a simple dressing, usually composed of olive oil and lemon juice.
To cut fennel for salad, begin by removing the stalks and the root end from the bulb. Slice the bulb in half lengthwise and remove the hard core in the center. Then, lay the halves cut-side down and thinly slice them crosswise for delicate, crunchier pieces.
Fennel is often consumed after meals as it's believed to aid digestion and alleviate bloating. Its refreshing and slightly sweet taste serves as a perfect palate cleanser, making it a popular choice for an after-meal snack or digestive.
As long as you do not put the dressing on salad, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy it, toss with the dressing!
Fennel pairs wonderfully with citrus fruits, apples, and beets, offering a refreshing balance to its anise-like taste.
Citrus fruits, especially oranges, complement fennel beautifully, highlighting its crisp and slightly sweet profile.
Yes, fennel can go brown when cut, much like apples. To prevent this, you can sprinkle the cut surfaces with lemon juice to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Pin it to your HEALTHY RECIPE, DINNER, LUNCH or SALAD Board to SAVE for later!
Find me on Pinterest for more great recipes! I am always pinning :)!
More recipes like this:
- Easy Pasta con le Sarde (Sicilian Pasta with Sardines)
- Quick and Easy Italian Tomato Salad
- Whole30 Broccoli Salad
- Pomegranate-Mixed Berry Pie
Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below:)
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Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad
Equipment
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 1 large fennel bulb trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion very thinly sliced
- 2 medium oranges sliced into thin rounds, peels cut away
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate arils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Tablespoon Italian parsley chopped
Instructions
- Arrange orange slices and fennel on a large serving platter in a random pattern. Scatter the onion and pomegranate arils on top.
- Whisk together the olive, vinegar, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. Spoon dressing over the salad. Add more salt if needed. Also wonderful served with a green salad. Sprinkle on some chopped fresh parsley (optional).
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
- To get the most juice out of your lemon, roll it on the countertop before cutting and squeezing.
- When slicing the fennel, save the fronds (the dill-like tops) to use as an additional garnish. They have a lovely, delicate flavor.
- If you want to prep the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve so the ingredients stay crisp.
- Storing your Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad in this way will ensure you can enjoy its fresh, vibrant flavors for as long as possible!
Gust și Aromă says
These flavors! This salad looks incredible! I want to try it asap!
Diethood.com says
Pretty salad with fab flavors, Lora!!
Taylor says
Love the fresh flavors in this salad! Yum!
Jacque Hastert says
You have combined amazing flavors to make this delicious salad.
deseree says
All the flavors in this salad are fantastic. It is perfect for summer with the refreshing flavor of oranges tied in.
Amanda says
Soant fantastic flavors in this recipe!
Vikki says
This salad looks so colorful and tasty! I love it
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This recipe for Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad couldn't look any more perfect!
Tiffany La Forge-Grau says
This recipe looks like a lot of fun to make! I love Italian food and this looks perfect.
Sara Welch says
Love a crisp and refreshing salad and this hits the spot! Delish!
Beth says
The fennel and orange pair so well together! Love it!
Amanda says
Love a citrus salad this time of year! This is fabulous!
Mimi says
This is beautiful. I have not yet traveled to Sicily, but I will! My real father was born and raised there until he came to the states as a teenager. If no other reason I need to go for the food! And the scenery, of course.
Lora says
Hi Mimi, I am happy you like the salad. Yes, you must get there for the food (and the scenery is amazing!!). Thanks for stopping by!! xx