Easy Fennel Salad with Oranges (Sicilian Recipe)

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.

🍽️ How to Make Italian Fennel Salad

Follow these simple steps to assemble your Sicilian Salad:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, add the sliced fennel, oranges, and red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
4. Add the dressing: Drizzle the olive oil and lemon dressing over the salad. Toss again gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Garnish the salad: Sprinkle the pomegranate arils and chopped mint over the salad for the final touches.
6. 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.

What to Serve it With

This Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes:

1. Seafood: The fresh, tangy flavors complement grilled or baked fish.
2. 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.
3. Pasta: Serve it alongside a pasta dish like spaghetti aglio e olio for a complete Sicilian-inspired meal.
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. Refrigerate: Place the undressed salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dressing should also be refrigerated in a separate, sealed container.
3. Use within 3 Days: For the best taste and texture, consume the salad within three days of preparing it.
4. 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

1. Citrus Variations: Swap the oranges for grapefruit or blood orange for a tangy twist.
2. Herb Variations: While mint adds a fresh note to this salad, you could also use fresh dill or parsley for a different flavor profile.
3. Use Arugula: Add some arugula for a peppery note and to make the salad more filling.

❓FAQ'S

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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

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5 from 7 votes

Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad

The most refreshing of winter salads, this recipe for Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad is a delight. It's vibrant and bursting with fresh flavors from the sweet and juicy oranges, crunchy fennel, red onion, and tart pomegranate arils. It's a delicious flavor combination that will brighten up those end of winter days!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Salad

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 152kcal

Author: Lora

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

1. To get the most juice out of your lemon, roll it on the countertop before cutting and squeezing.
2. When slicing the fennel, save the fronds (the dill-like tops) to use as an additional garnish. They have a lovely, delicate flavor.
3. If you want to prep the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve so the ingredients stay crisp.
4. Storing your Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad in this way will ensure you can enjoy its fresh, vibrant flavors for as long as possible!

 

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Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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