This refreshing Sicilian fennel orange salad blends the vibrant zest of oranges with the crispness of fennel, creating a symphony of sensations that will leave you craving for more.
The Sicilian Orange Salad offers a delightful explosion of flavors. The sweetness of the oranges, the subtle anise-like taste of the fennel, the tanginess of the dressing, and the brininess of the olives all come together to create a harmonious and refreshing medley of tastes.
With simple and readily available ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare. It requires a minimal amount of time, making it a convenient choice for a quick and flavorful meal or side dish.
If you love easy and refreshing salad make sure to try this cucumber salad recipe.
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Ingredients
- bulb of fennel
- Navel oranges you can also use blood oranges or cara cara oranges
- shallot or medium red onion
- extra virgin olive oil
- lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper
- kalamata olives or black olives
- parsley
Optional: Red Pepper Flakes, chopped mint leaves
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to make the silician fennel salad step by step.
Prepare all the ingredients, by cutting and slicing.
In a serving bowl, combine the sliced fennel, orange segments, minced shallot, and chopped kalamata olives. Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil over the ingredients, coating them evenly.
Gently toss the salad to ensure that all the flavors blend together harmoniously. Be careful not to bruise the delicate orange segments.
Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top of the salad, adding a vibrant touch.
Hint: Once the orange is peeled, segment the oranges by cutting between the membranes to release the juicy slices
Variations
Citrus Medley: Expand the citrus flavors by adding other varieties of citrus fruit to the salad. Try incorporating segments of grapefruit, blood orange, or tangerine for a diverse and vibrant citrus medley.
Creamy Twist: For a creamy variation, crumble some feta cheese or goat cheese over the salad just before serving. The creamy and tangy cheese will beautifully complement the crispness of the fennel and the sweetness of the oranges.
Nutty Crunch: Add a delightful crunch to this simple salad by tossing in a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds. The nuttiness will add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Storage
The fennel Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the flavors and textures are at their peak. However, if you have leftovers or need to prepare the salad in advance, here are some storage tips:
Refrigeration: Place any leftover Sicilian Orange Salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any cross-contamination with other foods.
Consume within 1-2 days: For optimal taste and texture, it is recommended to consume the salad within 1-2 days of preparation. The longer it sits, the softer the fennel and oranges may become.
Toss before serving: Before serving any refrigerated leftovers, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure the flavors are well blended.
Note on citrus: Over time, citrus fruits can release their juices, potentially making the salad more watery. If you notice excess liquid in the container, drain it off before serving.
Dressing adjustments: If the salad appears dry after refrigeration, you can prepare a small amount of additional dressing and drizzle it over the salad before serving. This will help refresh the flavors.
Tips
Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for firm fennel bulbs, juicy oranges, and ripe kalamata olives.
When slicing the fennel, aim for thin and even pieces. This will ensure a pleasant crunch without overpowering the other ingredients.
To segment the oranges, use a very sharp knife and carefully cut between the membranes to release the juicy slices. This technique helps avoid any bitter pith and allows the sweetness of the oranges to shine.
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the minced shallot in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. This step helps to mellow its sharpness.
Serving
The Sicilian Fennel Orange Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this flavorful creation:
Side Dish: Serve the Sicilian Orange Salad as a vibrant and refreshing side dish alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or any Mediterranean-inspired main course. Its burst of flavors and vibrant colors will complement a wide range of dishes.
Appetizer: Create a stunning appetizer by arranging small portions of the salad on individual plates or in small bowls. Garnish with additional parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation. This appetizer is sure to intrigue and awaken the taste buds of your guests.
Light Lunch: Enjoy the Sicilian Orange Salad as a light and satisfying lunch on its own. For a more substantial meal, consider adding protein such as grilled shrimp, chicken breast, or even canned tuna. The combination of the citrusy salad and the protein will create a balanced and nutritious lunch option.
Picnic Delight: Pack the Sicilian Orange Salad in airtight containers or mason jars for a delightful addition to your next picnic or outdoor gathering. Its refreshing flavors and easy portability make it an excellent choice for enjoying alfresco.
Potluck Favorite: Bring the Sicilian Orange Salad to potluck gatherings or parties, and watch it disappear quickly. Its unique combination of flavors and vibrant appearance will make it a standout dish among other offerings.
FAQ
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different varieties of oranges such as blood oranges, navel oranges, or mandarin oranges. Each variety will bring its own unique flavor profile to the salad, adding depth and complexity.
Yes, you can add protein to make the salad more substantial. Grilled shrimp, cooked chicken breast, or canned tuna are great options. Simply incorporate them into the salad before serving for a complete and satisfying meal.
You can easily scale up the recipe to make a larger batch to accommodate a larger number of people. Just adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly and remember to taste and adjust the dressing as needed.
If you're not a fan of olives, you can omit them from the recipe. The salad will still be delicious with the combination of fennel, oranges, shallot, and dressing. Feel free to adjust the other seasonings to your taste preference.
Salad Recipes
Looking for other salad recipes? Try these:
Sicilian Fennel Orange Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bulb of medium fennel
- 2 navel oranges or blood oranges cara cara oranges
- 1 shallot or medium red onion
- ¼ cup kalamata olives or black olives
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Optional: Red pepper flakes chopped mint leaves
Instructions
- On a cutting board trim the fennel bulb and remove any tough outer layers. Slice the fennel thinly, creating delicate and crisp pieces. Set aside.
- With a small serrated knife or a very sharp knife peel the orange carefully, removing the zest. Once peeled, segment the oranges by cutting between the membranes to release the juicy slices. Collect the orange segments in a bowl.
- Take the shallot and finely mince it.
- Cut the kalamata olives in half and chop the parsley.
- In a salad bowl, combine the sliced fennel, orange segments, minced shallot, and chopped kalamata olives, salt and pepper. Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil over the ingredients, coating them evenly.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure that all the flavors blend together harmoniously.
- Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top of the salad, adding a vibrant touch.
- The Sicilian Orange Salad is now ready to be savored! Serve it as a refreshing side dish or enjoy it as a light lunch.
Gloria
A crisp, refreshing salad for summer bbq parties. Love the flavour combination of fennel and oranges. A burst of citrus and licorice.
Sophie
Hi Gloria,
I'm delighted to hear that you find this salad crisp and refreshing, perfect for summer BBQ parties!
Noelle
Such a great combo—love creative ways to use kalamata olives! Easy and great for summer parties. Thanks for the recipe!
Sophie
Hi Noelle!
You're very welcome! I'm glad you appreciate the great combo of flavors in this recipe, especially the use of kalamata olives. They add a unique and delightful taste to dishes.
Carrie Robinson
This is such a unique salad idea! I am loving all the flavors happening here. 🙂 Definitely going to trying this recipe soon.
Sophie
Hey Carrie,
I'm glad you're planning to try out the recipe soon. I hope it exceeds your expectations and becomes a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Thank you for your comment, and happy cooking!
Jamie
This is such an amazingly-looking salad dish! It looks incredibly delicious and very healthy too! It is an instant favorite, especially for health-cautious people! Loved it!
Sophie
Hi Jamie!
Thank you for your enthusiastic comment! I'm thrilled to hear that you find this salad dish amazingly-looking and incredibly delicious. The fact that it's also healthy makes it even more appealing.
Veronika
This is a great refreshing salad for the Summer! I made it yesterday for a family dinner and everyone loved it 😉
Sophie
I'm thrilled to hear that this refreshing salad was a hit at your family dinner!
Enriqueta E Lemoine
I needed this salad in my life. I love fennels, and the combination of the orange and orange zest and the strong flavor of the Kalamata olives was heavenly and delicious. So Mediterranean! You nailed it!
Sophie
Hey Enriqueta!
t's wonderful to know that you found it heavenly and delicious. Your kind words mean a lot, and I'm delighted that this salad hit the mark for you.
Tristin
I added grilled shrimp to make it into a light dinner. Amazing flavor and so pretty with blood oranges.
Sophie
Hey Tristin,
That sounds absolutely delicious! Adding grilled shrimp to the salad is a fantastic idea, transforming it into a light and satisfying dinner.
Moop Brown
I'm a big fan of Mediterranean food and this salad looks super refreshing, flavorful and like a great dish for summer.
Sophie
Hey Moop!
Thank you for your comment, and I hope you enjoy this refreshing salad during the summer season!
NATALIA
Incredibly delicious! This was exceptional. I've experimented with many of your recipes, and they've all been mouthwatering. Grateful for another culinary triumph!
Sophie
Hey Natalia!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you found this recipe incredibly delicious and exceptional.
Ramona
This looks like such an interesting recipe and I can’t wait to try it out especially now that it’s summer! Thank you for sharing.
Sophie
You're very welcome! I'm glad you find the recipe interesting, especially with summer in full swing. It's the perfect time to try out new and refreshing dishes like this one.