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Zesty Sicilian Orange and Fennel Salad Recipe

Zesty Sicilian Orange and Fennel Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

A bright and refreshing Zesty Sicilian Orange and Fennel Salad combining crisp fennel, juicy orange segments, kalamata olives, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This vibrant salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, enhanced with fresh herbs and optional heat from red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 1 medium fennel bulb
  • 2 oranges (navel, blood orange, or cara cara)
  • 1 small shallot or ½ medium red onion
  • ¼ cup kalamata olives, halved (or black olives)

Dressing and Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes or a few chopped mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fennel: Trim the fennel bulb by slicing off the stalks and root end. If the outer layer is tough, peel it away. Then use a sharp knife or mandoline to thinly slice the fennel into paper-thin pieces for the best texture.
  2. Segment the oranges: Using a small serrated or sharp paring knife, peel the oranges carefully removing all the bitter white pith. Slice between the membranes to release clean, tender orange segments free of bitterness.
  3. Chop aromatics and olives: Finely mince the shallot or red onion, halve the kalamata olives, and chop the fresh parsley finely.
  4. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl or shallow serving platter, combine the sliced fennel, orange segments, minced shallot, and halved olives. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Add dressing and toss: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the salad. Toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients and to allow flavors to mingle.
  6. Garnish and serve: Top the salad with fresh parsley and, if desired, sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped mint leaves for a touch of heat and freshness. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure fennel slices are paper-thin using a mandoline or very sharp knife.
  • Use a serrated knife to segment oranges cleanly without bitterness.
  • Chilling the salad briefly before serving enhances flavor melding but avoid long refrigeration to keep fennel crisp.
  • Substitute olives and herbs according to preference for different flavor profiles.
  • This salad pairs wonderfully as a light appetizer or side dish for Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sicilian salad, fennel and orange salad, Mediterranean salad, citrus salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/zesty-sicilian-orange-and-fennel-salad-recipe/