Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A vibrant spring salad featuring crisp fennel and sweet orange segments, dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs large fennel bulb, navel orange, 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 150 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
- 1 large fennel bulb
- 2 navel orange
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim 1 large fennel bulb and remove the tough core; slice the bulb into thin, even matchsticks using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Step 2: Using a zester or small knife, remove the zest from 1 orange and set aside; cut the remaining 1 orange into thin, quarter-moon slices.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, the sliced fennel, and the orange slices; pour the vinaigrette over and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with a pinch of fennel fronds and the reserved orange zest.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette 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 Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad with Lemon 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 large fennel bulb from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad with Lemon 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 Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad with Lemon 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.
What goes well with Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad with Lemon 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.