This vibrant Fennel Salad combines the peppery tang of arugula, the sweet crunch of fennel, the tartness of oranges, and the creamy delight of goat cheese. A perfect addition to your healthy diet!
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 Minutes.
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
How Many Servings?
2 Servings
This Arugula Salad combines the peppery bite of Arugula with the sweet, citrusy notes of orange. Creamy goat cheese adds richness, while fennel brings a unique crunch and unexpected sweetness. This easy-to-make Salad is ready in just 10 minutes and makes a stunning addition to any meal. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, highlighting the best of each ingredient.
Arugula Salad Ingredients:
- Fennel: One bulb, thinly sliced. Fennel adds a crisp, slightly sweet, and licorice-like flavor that contrasts beautifully with the peppery taste of Arugula.
- Baby Arugula: About 4 cups. The show’s star, Arugula, brings a fresh, peppery bite that forms the base of this vibrant Salad.
- Blood Oranges: Segment these to add a splash of citrusy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Goat Cheese: Crumble in to add a creamy, tangy element that complements the other flavors.
- Fresh Mint: Chopped (optional). Mint introduces a refreshing, aromatic note that elevates the flavor profile.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste, balancing and enhancing the natural flavors of the Salad.
Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- Lime Juice: The acidity of lime juice adds a fresh zing and balances the sweetness of the orange juice.
- Orange Juice: Complements the blood orange segments in the Salad and adds a natural, citrusy sweetness.
- Olive Oil: Use good-quality olive oil for a smooth and rich base in your vinaigrette.
- Honey: A touch of honey contributes a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the citrus tartness and the mustard’s sharpness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a slight tang, bringing together the various flavors of the vinaigrette.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste for a well-rounded and balanced dressing.
Variations & Tips
- Green Swaps: Not into arugula’s peppery bite? Try baby kale, spinach, or any leafy green you love.
- Extra Flavors: Add pickled onions for a tangy kick—they pair perfectly with sweet fennel and citrus.
- Feeling Fruity: No blood oranges? Mandarins, navel oranges, or even grapefruit make great substitutes.
- Cheese Options: Goat cheese brings a creamy, tangy contrast, but feta works well too.
Health Benefits of Arugula and Fennel
Both Arugula and fennel contribute to the health appeal of our Salad. Fennel, in particular, is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins and minerals that support heart and bone health. With its peppery flavor, Arugula also boasts essential nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any diet. So, when you savor this Salad, you’re enjoying a harmonious blend of flavors with fennel as the star and indulging in a nutritious meal that contributes to your overall well-being.
Pairing dishes with your Salad
Our Arugula Fennel Orange and Goat Cheese Salad pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Its vibrant citrus flavor and peppery Arugula make it an excellent choice to balance out more decadent meals.
Consider serving it alongside a Mediterranean Quiche or a Ricotta Peas Pie for brunch or lunch. The Salad’s fresh, light notes complement the creaminess of these dishes. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, pair it with an Easy Mediterranean Chicken Drumstick. The citrusy, fresh flavors of the Salad cut through the savory richness of the chicken, creating a well-rounded meal.
Preparation
Make the Citrus Vinaigrette
Assemble the Salad
Finish with crumbled goat cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Serve and Enjoy
This salad pairs perfectly with various main courses, from Mediterranean dishes to hearty meat-based meals. Quick to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for a nutritious weekday lunch or a dinner side dish.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 Minutes.
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
How Many Servings?
2 Servings
Ingredients:
| 1 bulb fennel (thinly sliced by hand or with a mandolin) | |
| 3 large handfuls of baby arugulas (about 4 cups) | |
| 2 blood oranges (segmented) | |
| 2 oz goat cheese | |
| Fresh mint chopped (optional) | |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
For the vinaigrette
| 1 tablespoon lime juice | |
| 2 tablespoons orange juice | |
| ¼ cup good olive oil | |
| 1 teaspoon honey | |
| 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard | |
| dash of salt and pepper for taste |
Preparation
In a mason jar, combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Seal the lid tightly and shake well until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified and smooth.
In a large serving bowl, combine the thinly sliced fennel, baby arugula, and blood orange segments. Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the top and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Finish with crumbled goat cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint for an extra burst of flavor and color.
For the best flavor and texture, serve your Arugula, Fennel, Orange, and Goat Cheese Salad immediately after tossing. Refreshing, tangy, and full of vibrant flavor—it’s a salad that truly shines fresh!
Rana’s Notes!
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Subscribe to my newsletter for authentic Mediterranean recipes, essential cooking tips, and the latest food news, all delivered directly to your inbox for FREE. Let’s create memorable dishes together!
Don’t forget to share your creation with us by tagging our blog on your social media posts. Leave a comment below. Enjoy this refreshing, healthy treat today!