Quick & Zesty Ina Garten Fennel Orange Salad Recipe

Fennel orange salad bursts with Mediterranean-inspired brightness, offering a symphony of tangy and crisp flavors that dance across your palate.

Delicate fennel brings an elegant, slightly licorice-like essence to this elegant dish.

Citrusy orange segments provide a sweet counterpoint, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary salad into a sophisticated culinary experience that feels both light and satisfying.

Green leafy elements add a peppery undertone, enhancing the overall complexity of the combination.

Sharp olive oil and zesty lemon juice elevate the natural qualities of each ingredient, creating a cohesive and vibrant composition.

Sophisticated yet simple, this salad represents a perfect balance of refreshing and nuanced flavors: dive in and savor every delightful bite.

Why Ina Garten’s Fennel Orange Salad is the Perfect Fresh and Crisp Dish

• Craft a Quick Zesty Salad: Whip up this vibrant fennel orange salad in just 10 minutes, perfect for those seeking a speedy, refreshing dish that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition.
• Enjoy Crisp Flavor Combinations: The salad delivers an incredible balance of textures with crunchy fennel, juicy orange slices, and peppery arugula, creating a symphony of taste that dances on your palate with each bite.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transform everyday produce into an elegant, restaurant-worthy salad using minimal ingredients and a straightforward dressing that highlights the natural brightness of fresh fennel and oranges.
• Boost Healthy Eating: This low-calorie (79 kcal) salad provides a nutritious option packed with vitamin C, fiber, and a light, zesty profile that makes healthy eating feel like a gourmet experience.

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Fennel Orange Salad

• Fennel Bulb: Fresh, crisp vegetable with a subtle licorice flavor that adds a unique crunch to the salad.
• Arugula: Peppery green that brings a sharp, fresh taste and additional texture to the dish.

• Oranges: Sweet and tangy fruit that provides bright, juicy flavor and refreshing elements to the salad.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity base that helps bind the dressing and adds richness to the salad.
• Lemon Juice: Acidic component that balances the flavors and adds a zesty brightness.
• Kosher Salt: Classic seasoning that enhances and elevates the overall taste of the salad.
• Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy seasoning that adds depth and subtle heat to the dressing.

• Fennel Fronds: Delicate, feathery green tops that provide a visual and flavor accent to the finished salad.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Fennel Orange Salad

Step 1: Prepare Fennel Bulbs

Grab fresh fennel bulbs and trim off the stalky tops. Slice each bulb in half and carefully remove the tough inner core using a sharp kitchen knife. For super thin and elegant slices, use a mandoline slicer or carefully slice with a sharp knife. Aim for delicate, translucent fennel pieces.

Step 2: Segment Juicy Oranges

Select ripe, vibrant oranges and peel away the outer skin completely. Cut oranges into thin, even slices or segments. Ensure oranges are at room temperature for maximum flavor intensity.

Step 3: Create Zesty Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt

Whisk all ingredients in a small mixing bowl until perfectly blended and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients

• Sliced fennel
• Orange segments
• Fresh arugula leaves

Pour prepared dressing over the ingredients and softly toss to ensure even coating.

Step 5: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle additional kosher salt if desired. Scatter reserved fennel fronds on top for a beautiful green accent and extra herbal flavor.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Present the salad right after preparation to enjoy crisp textures and vibrant citrus notes. Best served chilled or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Fennel Orange Salad

• Elevate Citrus Punch: Splash extra orange juice into the dressing for a zesty flavor that dances with fennel's licorice-like essence.
• Refresh with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves to create a vibrant layer that brightens the salad's overall taste profile.
• Sweeten Subtly: Drizzle a touch of honey to soften any tartness from the oranges, creating a harmonious balance in every bite.
• Enrich with Cheese: Shave Parmesan or pecorino to introduce a savory depth that beautifully contrasts the salad's bright, fresh components.
• Crunch It Up: Toss in toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for an unexpected textural surprise that adds dimension to the salad.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Fennel Orange Salad

• Vacuum Seal Method: Protect the delicate salad components by using a vacuum sealer. Remove excess air to prevent wilting and preserve the fennel's crisp texture. Seal individual portions for easy grab-and-go freshness.
• Layered Storage Technique: Create a strategic storage approach by placing a paper towel at the bottom of a container to absorb moisture. Arrange fennel and orange segments separately, keeping dressing in a small sealed jar. This method prevents sogginess and maintains ingredient integrity for up to 36 hours.
• Citrus Preservation Hack: Sprinkle a touch of citric acid or fresh lemon juice over orange segments before storing. This natural preservative slows oxidation and keeps the fruit vibrant and fresh. Wrap the prepared segments in a breathable produce bag to maintain optimal moisture levels.

Delicious Twists on Ina Garten’s Fennel Orange Salad

• Mediterranean Fennel Fusion: Add crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and fresh mint leaves for a Greek-inspired rendition that brings tangy and salty notes to the classic salad.
• Spicy Citrus Crunch: Incorporate thinly sliced jalapeños, toasted pine nuts, and a dash of red pepper flakes to create a zesty version with added heat and nutty undertones.
• Winter Harvest Remix: Replace arugula with shredded kale, include roasted butternut squash cubes, and sprinkle pomegranate seeds for a heartier, seasonal interpretation that celebrates winter produce.
• Seafood Summer Edition: Top the salad with grilled shrimp or seared scallops, and garnish with fresh dill to transform this light salad into a protein-packed main course perfect for warm weather dining.

Ina Garten’s Fennel Orange Salad: A Bright and Citrus-Infused Treat

Culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s fennel orange salad, a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that dances between crisp fennel and zesty citrus notes.

Sophisticated palates will discover pure refreshment in this elegant dish where simple ingredients create extraordinary harmony.

Aromas of anise-like fennel mingle with sweet orange segments, creating a sensory experience that elevates casual dining.

Salt and pepper whispers bring subtle depth to each carefully crafted bite.

Seasonal ingredients transform ordinary moments into gourmet celebrations of flavor and texture.

Passionate chefs and curious home cooks: share this recipe, comment with your flavor twists, and spread deliciousness across social networks – your culinary adventure starts now.

Ina Garten Fennel Orange Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s fennel orange salad combines crisp shaved fennel with sweet citrus segments in a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish. Dressed with olive oil, fresh herbs, and a delicate balance of flavors, you’ll enjoy this refreshing salad that whispers of sunshine and simple elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fennel:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) fennel bulbs

Citrus Fruits:

• 3 to 4 oranges
• 2 lemons, juiced

Seasonings and Oil:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) good olive oil
• Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 ounces (57 grams) arugula

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Instructions

1. Meticulously trim the fennel bulbs by removing stalks and core. Slice bulbs into delicate, translucent strips using a mandoline or sharp knife for uniform thickness.
2. Carefully peel oranges, ensuring no white pith remains. Cut into elegant, thin semi-circular slices that showcase the fruit’s vibrant color and juicy texture.
3. Create a harmonious vinaigrette by whisking extra virgin olive oil (59 milliliters or 2 fluid ounces), fresh lemon juice, cracked black pepper, and kosher salt in a small mixing bowl until ingredients seamlessly integrate.
4. Transfer sliced fennel, orange segments, and peppery arugula into a spacious serving bowl. Gently cascade the prepared vinaigrette over the ingredients, using light folding motions to ensure even distribution without bruising delicate leaves.
5. Enhance the salad’s visual appeal by scattering reserved fennel fronds across the surface. Optionally, sprinkle an additional pinch of kosher salt to elevate the overall flavor profile.
6. Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant citrus notes, ensuring maximum gustatory pleasure for diners.

Notes

• Slice fennel paper-thin using a mandoline or sharp knife for the most delicate, crisp texture.
• Select bright, firm oranges that promise juicy sweetness and vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
• Fresh arugula brings a bold, peppery kick that perfectly balances the salad’s delicate ingredients.
• Kosher salt acts as a flavor enhancer, drawing out the natural brightness of citrus and fennel.
• Drizzle extra virgin olive oil gently to create a silky dressing that subtly unites all components.
• Finish with delicate fennel fronds that add an elegant herbal whisper to the final presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg