North-Inspired Citrus and Fennel Salad with Pomegranate Seeds
A bright and refreshing salad combining crisp fennel, juicy citrus segments, and sweet pomegranate seeds, perfect as a light appetizer or side. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium, thinly sliced fennel bulb, large, peeled and segmented orange, pomegranate seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 medium, thinly sliced fennel bulb
- 2 large, peeled and segmented orange
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 small, thinly sliced red onion
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice 1 medium fennel bulb using a sharp knife or mandoline, placing slices in a large salad bowl.
- Step 2: Peel and segment 2 large oranges over the bowl to catch juices, then add the segments along with 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds and 1/4 small thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, then sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves on top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does North-Inspired Citrus and Fennel Salad with Pomegranate Seeds 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 North-Inspired Citrus and Fennel Salad with Pomegranate Seeds?
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 pomegranate seeds from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in North-Inspired Citrus and Fennel Salad with Pomegranate Seeds?
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 North-Inspired Citrus and Fennel Salad with Pomegranate Seeds 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 North-Inspired Citrus and Fennel Salad with Pomegranate Seeds 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for summer! The pomegranate seeds add such a lovely pop.
- ★★★★★
Loved the bright flavors! My family devoured it at dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Takes a bit longer to slice the fennel, but the flavor is worth it.