| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 278 | 23g | 6g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 6g | 7g | 0.25g |
Why I Love French Fennel and Orange Salad
A breath of fresh Mediterranean air sweeping across your palate, it is the simple yet vibrant Fennel and Orange Salad that I have fallen in love with. Being born to a Gujarati family in sunny California, I effortlessly empathize with the daring fusion of vastly contrasting ingredients that makes way for this French delicacy. This love is not just in its exquisite, citrusy taste but also in its ability to complement an amalgamation of palates and pleasantries.
Upon my husband Faisal’s first encounter with this delightful salad, it became an instant favorite for our family. The two distinct cultures I embody, now reflected in the lives of our two lovely boys, seems to shine through in the way we all savor this tangy plateful of joy.
Kaleidoscope of Flavors
What I find irresistible about the Fennel and Orange Salad is that it combines contrasting flavors, akin to the ethos of my favorite celebrity chef, David Lebovitz, who never steps back from creating harmonious culinary symphonies. The taste of the fennel, with its hint of anise, enhances the fresh sweetness brought on by the oranges. The saltiness from the Kalamata olives is offset by the smooth tang of fresh goat cheese. The dressing of extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice brings everything together harmoniously.
With a stunningly simple, visually captivating image showcasing the final product, this salad is the very embodiment of a joyous culinary adventure.
Healthy Fusion
The Fennel and Orange Salad is not just about delightful flavors; it is nutritionally enriching as well. Every forkful of this salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Fennel’s health benefits have long been celebrated in my Gujarati heritage, and the antioxidant properties of oranges have been recognized worldwide.
Both these ingredients are illustrious in their separate ways, and when combined in this ingenious French recipe, they create a fortifying fusion of health benefits. Here’s to the Fennel and Orange Salad – a seamless blend of cultures I proudly share with my family on our dinner table.
What You’ll Need
- 3 medium fennel bulbs
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 6 medium oranges
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 pound fresh goat cheese, crumbled
Method
Step One
Start by trimming the fennel bulbs and slicing them thinly. The best way to do this is using a food processor, but you can also use a sharp knife. Set them aside afterwards.
Step Two
In a large salad bowl, mix together the extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper for extra flavor. This will serve as your salad dressing.
Step Three
Take your oranges and cut off both ends. Place them cut-side-down on a cutting board and slice off the peel and white pith from top to bottom. After peeling, cut the oranges crosswise into thin slices.
Step Four
Add the sliced fennel, oranges, and Kalamata olives to the salad bowl with the dressing. Toss until all ingredients are well combined and coated.
Step Five
Before serving, crumble the fresh goat cheese on top of the salad. Add extra salt and pepper if desired. Your Fennel and Orange Salad is now ready to served and enjoyed!
