Orange Fennel Salad
If you’re looking for a healthy, refreshing side dish, this Orange Fennel Salad with Arugula is the perfect combination of bright citrus and fresh greens. Paired with a zesty orange marmalade dressing, this salad is light yet satisfying, making it a great option for lunch, a side dish, or even a main meal when you add your favorite protein.
Why I think you’ll like this Orange Fennel Salad
This simple citrus fennel salad combines fresh, crunchy fennel with peppery arugula, bringing together a delicious mix of textures and flavors. The sweet-tangy orange dressing made with marmalade adds just the right touch of brightness, making this salad stand out. It’s a great option to pair with a heavier main dish, and it’s incredibly easy to make!
Key Ingredients
Orange Marmalade Dressing: This dressing brings a unique sweetness, making it a great pairing for the fresh fennel and arugula.
Fennel: Crisp and refreshing, fennel is the perfect base for this salad.
Arugula: Adds a peppery note that stands up against the fennel and is a nice contrast with the sweet tang of the dressing.
Shallots: Milder than onions, shallots add a subtle, sweet flavor and a bit of crunch to this salad without overpowering the other ingredients. Their delicate texture and mild sharpness perfectly complement the citrus and fennel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Salad:
Thinly slice the fennel and shallot using either a sharp knife or mandoline (be careful!) and combine it with fresh arugula in a large mixing bowl. This combination creates a nice crunchy base.
2. Make the Orange Dressing:
Whisk together orange marmalade, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and honey. This bright, tangy orange dressing is what takes the salad to the next level.
3. Assemble:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss to coat, and optionally garnish with nuts and reserved fennel fronds. Serve immediately and enjoy the light, fresh flavors!
Orange Fennel Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
- 3-4 cups fresh arugula
- 1 small to medium fennel bulb thinly sliced (about 1 cup sliced. reserve some of the fronds for garnish)
- 1 shallot or less, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds or walnuts optional
Orange Marmalade Dressing:
- 2 tablespoon orange marmalade
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Instructions:
Prepare the Salad:
- Thinly slice the fennel bulb and shallot using a mandolin or knife.
- In a large bowl, combine the arugula, sliced fennel, and shallots. Toss to mix.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, lemon juice , olive oil, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble:
- Drizzle the orange marmalade dressing over the salad and toss to coat the greens evenly.
- Garnish with fennel fronds, toasted almonds or walnuts, if desired.
Video
Notes
Tips for Success with this Orange Fennel Salad
Add Protein: To make this fennel salad with orange dressing a complete meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Extra Citrus Kick: For more citrus flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh orange juice into the dressing.
Make it Nutty: Toasted almonds or walnuts add extra texture and pair well with the orange and fennel.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve this salad right after tossing with the dressing. If you’re not serving it immediately, store the salad and dressing separately. Dress the salad just before serving to keep the arugula crisp and the flavors fresh.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did. If you give it a try, be sure to leave a rating and comment below to let me know how you liked it!
