Orange and Fennel Salad

🍊 Orange and Fennel Salad with Olives

Sweet winter citrus and crisp shaved fennel are a classic pairing in southern Italian cooking. This Mediterranean-inspired orange and fennel salad combines sweet citrus, crisp fennel, and briny olives;  perfect for winter or anytime you’re craving a fresh, colorful salad.

Your first reaction might be one of doubt — really, oranges and olives? Yet this sweet and salty combination is a classic throughout the Mediterranean, especially in Sicilian cuisine. The result is an elegant salad that’s refreshing and full of mouth-watering contrast.

🥗 Why This Orange Fennel Salad Works

This winter citrus salad is all about contrast:

• Sweet blood oranges, Cara Cara oranges, and tangerines
• Crisp shaved fennel
• Buttery green Castelvetrano olives and bold black salt-cured olives
• Fresh mint and greens for brightness
• Crunchy roasted pistachios

It’s a Sicilian orange salad inspired by Mediterranean flavors that's fresh and simple.

🍊 Ingredients for This Winter Citrus & Fennel Salad

• Mixed Winter Citrus: Blood oranges add depth, Cara Cara oranges bring gentle sweetness, and tangerines are juicy and bright but any blend of citrus works perfectly for this citrus salad.
• Fennel: Thinly sliced fennel adds crisp texture and a subtle anise flavor. Don’t discard the fronds, they’re perfect for garnish.
• Mâche (Lamb’s Lettuce): Tender and slightly nutty, mâche provides a delicate base that won’t overpower the citrus. (Alternatively use arugula or baby spinach.)
• Olives: Using a mix of black salt-cured and green Castelvetrano olives adds complexity and balances the sweet citrus.
• Mint: Fresh mint enhances the brightness of the salad and complements both fennel and citrus.
• Pistachios: Roasted pistachios give crunch and a buttery richness.
• Citrus Vinaigrette: Made from fresh citrus juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, crushed fennel seeds (optional), and a touch of orange blossom water (optional - I always have a bottle in the fridge, it lasts forever and gives such a nice floral taste to so many dishes).

🍋 How to Make Orange and Fennel Salad (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Prepare the Citrus

Using a sharp knife, slice a thin piece from the top and bottom of each orange and tangerine. Stand upright and cut away the peel and pith following the fruit’s contour. Slice crosswise into ¼-inch rounds.

2️⃣ Arrange the Salad Base

Spread the mâche, mint leaves, and shaved fennel on a large platter. Tuck in the citrus slices and olives evenly.

3️⃣ Make the Citrus Vinaigrette

Whisk together:

• citrus juice
• extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt
• fennel seeds (optional)
•  orange blossom water (optional)

Whisk until emulsified.

4️⃣ Finish & Serve

Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad. Scatter with chopped pistachios and fennel fronds. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, or let rest for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.