Description
Ina Garten’s fennel salad delivers a crisp Mediterranean-inspired mix of fresh ingredients. Delicate fennel slices combine with zesty citrus notes, creating a light and refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (0.91 kg) fennel bulbs
- 3 to 4 oranges
- 2 oz (56 g) arugula
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 lemons, juiced
- salt (kosher)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Fennel Preparation: Trim the feathery tops from fennel bulbs, reserving delicate leaves for garnish. Halve each bulb and remove the tough central core with a sharp knife.
- Slicing Technique: Equip food processor with the finest slicing blade. Process fennel in small batches to create uniformly thin, translucent slices that will provide a delicate texture to the salad.
- Citrus Segmentation: Carefully peel oranges, eliminating both outer skin and bitter white membrane. Slice citrus into elegant, precise segments that will complement the fennel’s crisp profile.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, fresh orange juice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend ingredients until a harmonious, bright dressing emerges with balanced flavor notes.
- Final Assembly: Combine sliced fennel, orange segments, and peppery arugula in a spacious serving bowl. Gently toss with prepared dressing to ensure every ingredient is perfectly coated. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds and an extra pinch of salt for a refined, refreshing presentation.
Notes
- Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife or food processor with a thin slicing blade to create uniform, delicate fennel slices for optimal texture and visual appeal.
- Orange Segmenting Technique: Remove both outer skin and white membrane carefully to ensure clean, bitter-free citrus segments that enhance the salad’s flavor profile.
- Dressing Balance: Whisk the olive oil and orange juice dressing thoroughly to create a harmonious blend that complements the fennel’s subtle licorice-like taste.
- Garnish Strategically: Reserve delicate fennel fronds to add a fresh, decorative touch that elevates the salad’s presentation and provides an extra layer of herbal aroma.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg