Endive & Fennel Citrus Salad
A crisp, balanced salad featuring bitter endive and fennel, brightened with citrus and fresh herbs for a sophisticated starter. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs (chopped, leaves separated) endive, (thinly sliced) fennel bulb, (thinly sliced) red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (chopped, leaves separated) endive
- 1/2 cup (thinly sliced) fennel bulb
- 1/4 cup (thinly sliced) red onion
- 1/2 cup (fresh, pith removed) orange segments
- 1/4 cup (chopped) fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until fully emulsified.
- Step 2: Place 4 cups chopped endive leaves in a large bowl, then add 1/2 cup thinly sliced fennel, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/2 cup fresh orange segments. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the salad and serve immediately, noting the crisp texture and balanced bitterness melting into sweetness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Endive & Fennel Citrus Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Endive & Fennel Citrus Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (thinly sliced) fennel bulb from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Endive & Fennel Citrus Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Endive & Fennel Citrus Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Endive & Fennel Citrus Salad?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many salads recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.