Are you craving a healthy and delicious meal that's quick to prepare? Look no further! This vibrant fennel citrus salad is the perfect answer for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even a satisfying starter. Bursting with fresh flavors and textures, this easy recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable culinary experience. It's the perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, showcasing the best recipes without needing complex techniques. Get ready to elevate your everyday meals with this delightful and healthy dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 pink grapefruit, segmented
- 1 orange, segmented
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Fennel: Begin by trimming the top and bottom of the fennel bulb. Cut it in half lengthwise, then remove the tough core. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice the fennel. The thinner the slices, the better the texture will be.
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Citrus Segmentation: Gently peel the grapefruit and orange, removing all the white pith. Carefully segment the fruit, separating each segment from the membranes. This ensures a clean and enjoyable eating experience.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced fennel, grapefruit segments, orange segments, Kalamata olives, red onion, and fresh parsley.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to over-toss, as you want to preserve the delicate fennel slices.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately or chill for later. This salad tastes best when the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
Tips for the Best Fennel Citrus Salad:
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Choose ripe citrus fruits: The juicier and more flavorful the citrus, the better your salad will taste. Look for fruits that feel heavy for their size.
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Don't overdress the salad: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more if needed. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
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Add protein for a complete meal: This salad is also delicious with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas added for a more substantial meal.
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Make it ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it is best served fresh.
Variations:
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Add different herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, mint, or chives.
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Use different olives: Try Castelvetrano olives or green olives for a variation in flavor.
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Add nuts: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts would add a delightful crunch to this salad.
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Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 4-5g
This fennel citrus salad is a testament to how easy and delicious healthy meals can be. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and a wonderful example of the best recipes that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Enjoy!