I feel like so many of us fall into the default salad. A classic bowl filled with iceberg lettuce, croutons, shaved carrots, cherry tomatoes, and a hefty handful of croutons. Don’t get me wrong it is delicious but having the same salad can get dull at times. I’m here to introduce you to your new favorite salad. This bright sweet citrusy fennel salad will be a new addition to your table. Filled with sweet oranges, crisp fennel, salty tangy green olives all tossed in a classic Italian vinaigrette.
Salad Additions or Substitutes:
- Fruit like apples, pomegranates, grapes, dried cranberries, tomatoes, avacado
- Substitute olives for additional chickpeas, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds
- Substitute fennel with celery
- Fresh herbs like fresh cilantro or parsley
- Chopped scallions, peppers, and onions
- Grains: farro, quinoa, rice, croutons
- Protein: hard boiled eggs, grilled chicken, feta cheese, mozzarella, goat cheese, legumes
Making Ahead
The dressing can be made up to 4 days in advance. If stored in the fridge, let it come to room temp so the olive oil becomes liquid. The salad can be made undressed 2-3 days in advance. Before serving, toss with dressing.
Meal ideas
This refreshing salad is good on its own. As a main entree, I typically add whole grains and additional protein like goat cheese and nuts/seeds. Want to serve it as a side? My family loves serving it alongside lamb chops, lemon chicken, shish kabobs, lasagna, and creamy curry soup.
Let me know in the comments what you think! Hope you enjoy this refreshing salad at your family table.
Easy Sweet Orange Fennel Salad with Italian Dressing
Brighten your taste buds with this sweet yet tangy orange fennel salad. Easy to assemble in under 15 minutes with a great make ahead dressing.
Ingredients
Italian Vinaigrette
Salad
Instructions
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Cut romaine into bite size pieces. Place into a large bowl. Next cut the toppings; fennel, oranges, olives, and remaining additional toppings of choice. Reserve a small portion of toppings around ½ cup to top the salad for presentation.
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In a tall bowl or mason jar mix the dressing ingredients together and pour over salad. Toss salad together right before serving. See notes on making ahead below.
Note
Substitutions:
- Substitute olives for additional chickpeas, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds
- Substitute fennel for celery
Making Ahead
The dressing can be made up to 4 days in advance. If stored in the fridge, let it come to room temp so the olive oil becomes liquid. The salad can be made undressed 2-3 days in advance. Before serving, toss with dressing.
