I can still remember the first time I made this Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad. It was a rainy spring afternoon, and I was craving something bright, refreshing, and a little unexpected. As I carefully peeled and sliced the blood oranges, the tangy-sweet scent filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a sun-drenched Mediterranean villa. When I added the thinly shaved fennel and watched the colors come together on the plate, I knew I had stumbled upon a real gem of a recipe.
From that moment on, Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad became a go-to in my household. It’s the kind of dish that can elevate any meal, whether you’re serving it as a light main course or pairing it with grilled proteins and crusty bread for a more substantial spread. The best part? It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings with friends.
Table of Contents
Why This Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad
What sets this Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad apart is the balance of flavors and textures. The sweet-tart blood oranges, the licorice-like bite of the fennel, and the peppery mixed greens all come together in perfect harmony. But the real secret lies in the simple yet flavorful dressing. By whisking together olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey, you create a vinaigrette that perfectly complements the other ingredients, allowing their individual flavors to shine.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to this Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad is the quality of the ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- 3 blood oranges, peeled and sliced: Blood oranges are the star of the show, adding a stunning pop of color and a unique, slightly tart-sweet flavor to the salad.
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced: Fennel brings a subtle licorice note and a satisfying crunch to the mix. Slicing it thinly ensures it integrates seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- 4 cups mixed greens: A blend of tender, flavorful greens like arugula, spinach, and radicchio provides a nutritious base for the salad.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil is the foundation for the vinaigrette, adding richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar: The vinegar introduces a pleasant acidity that balances the sweetness of the blood oranges.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard emulsifies the vinaigrette, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of honey complements the citrus flavors and rounds out the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These simple seasonings bring out the best in all the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad Instructions
Preparing Your Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad
With a total preparation and cooking time of just 25 minutes, this Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad comes together in a flash. You’ll start by peeling and slicing the blood oranges, then thinly shaving the fennel bulb. As for equipment, you’ll need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a large salad bowl to assemble everything.
1- Peel the 3 blood oranges and slice them into thin rounds, discarding any seeds. The vibrant, juicy segments will be the star of the show.
2- Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, thinly slice the 1 fennel bulb, getting it as thin as possible. This will ensure the fennel integrates seamlessly with the other ingredients.
3- In a large salad bowl, arrange the 4 cups of mixed greens, creating a bed for the blood orange and fennel slices.
4- Gently place the sliced blood oranges and fennel on top of the greens, taking care to distribute them evenly. The colors and textures will create a visually stunning presentation.
5- In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of honey until emulsified.
6- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly, and your Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad is ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Use the freshest, ripest blood oranges you can find. Their vibrant color and bold flavor are essential to the dish.
- Slice the fennel as thinly as possible to create a delicate texture that complements the other ingredients.
- Don’t be afraid to play with the greens – try mixing arugula, spinach, and radicchio for a dynamic flavor profile.
- Adjust the vinaigrette to your taste, adding more vinegar for a tangier dressing or more honey for a sweeter finish.
Serving and Storing Your Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad
Perfect Pairings for Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad
This Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad serves 4 as a light main course, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled salmon or roasted chicken. The bright, refreshing flavors also pair beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or a crisp, citrusy cocktail.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad is that it holds up well in the fridge. You can prepare the salad up to 2 days in advance, storing the dressing and salad components separately. When ready to serve, simply toss the salad with the vinaigrette and enjoy. For longer storage, the sliced blood oranges and fennel can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The mixed greens are best added just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad
Creative Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad Variations
While the classic Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad is a true delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios for a crunchy contrast, or swap in grapefruit or tangerine slices for a different citrus twist. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs, like dill or tarragon, to enhance the flavors. For a heartier meal, top the salad with grilled shrimp or seared scallops.
Making Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad Diet-Friendly
This Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad is already naturally gluten-free, but you can easily make it suitable for other dietary needs as well. For a vegan version, simply omit the honey from the dressing and use maple syrup or agave instead. If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, you can swap the mixed greens for a bed of shredded kale or spinach. And for those avoiding dairy, you can replace the Dijon mustard with a dairy-free alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the blood oranges with regular oranges?
A: While regular oranges will work in a pinch, the unique flavor and vibrant color of blood oranges are really what make this salad special. If you can’t find blood oranges, consider using a mix of regular oranges and grapefruit for a similar effect.
Q: How long does it take to prepare this Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad?
A: The total time for this recipe is 25 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. The quick assembly makes this salad an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the salad components up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy.
Q: How many servings does this Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad make?
A: This recipe yields 4 servings, making it a great option for a light main course or a shareable side dish. Feel free to scale the ingredients up or down depending on your needs.
Q: What can I do if the fennel isn’t slicing as thinly as I’d like?
A: If you’re having trouble getting the fennel sliced paper-thin, try using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife. You can also try shaving the fennel into long strips rather than round slices to achieve a similar texture.
Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad is a bright, flavorful starter that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy roasted blood oranges, crisp fennel, and a tangy vinaigrette creates a delightful balance of citrus and licorice notes.
Ingredients
– 3 blood oranges, peeled and sliced
– 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the blood orange slices on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until caramelized and slightly softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the roasted blood orange slices, sliced fennel, and mixed greens.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, refreshing flavors of this Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad.
Notes
For a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to this salad. The roasted blood oranges can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Salads & Soups
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Conclusion
This Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad is a true gem of a recipe, combining bright, bold flavors with a satisfying crunch and a beautiful presentation. Whether you’re serving it as a light main course or a showstopping side dish, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your household. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the magic of this Roasted Blood Orange & Fennel Salad for yourself!
