Gin and Cucumber Fennel Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A refreshing salad combining crisp cucumber and fennel with a bright citrus vinaigrette accented by gin for a subtle botanical twist. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes brings together cucumber, thinly sliced, medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced, fresh orange juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp gin
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups thinly sliced cucumber and 1 medium thinly sliced fennel bulb.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp gin, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the citrus gin vinaigrette over the cucumber and fennel mixture and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Step 4: Let salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint on top before serving for a lively herbal finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin and Cucumber Fennel Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Gin and Cucumber Fennel Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Refrigerate any leftover gin and cucumber fennel salad with citrus vinaigrette in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gin and Cucumber Fennel Salad with Citrus 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 Gin and Cucumber Fennel Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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.
Is Gin and Cucumber Fennel Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
