Fennel and Blood Orange Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crisp, citrusy salad balancing fennel's anise notes with Aperol's bittersweet tang. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs Fennel bulb, Blood oranges, Mixed greens 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 185 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 185 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Thinly slice the fennel bulb using a mandoline and soak in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness, then drain and pat dry.
  2. Step 2: Segment the blood oranges by cutting between membranes, discarding white pith, and arranging on a plate.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 1 tbsp Aperol, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp white wine vinegar, and 1/4 tsp dried orange zest until emulsified, then drizzle over mixed greens and fennel.
  4. Step 4: Gently toss the salad with tongs until greens are evenly coated, then top with blood orange segments.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fennel and Blood Orange Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Fennel and Blood Orange Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette?

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 fennel bulb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fennel and Blood Orange Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette?

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 Fennel and Blood Orange Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Fennel and Blood Orange Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette?

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.

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