Saturday, January 10, 2009

Fennel and orange salad

It's a coincidence that I made this fennel and orange salad from the Everyday Food cookbook on the night when I watched the latest episode of Top Chef. The winning dish on Top Chef included the same ingredients of fennel, oranges and olives. One of the judges remarked that this is a classic and delicious flavor combination, and I tend to agree.

This salad is really simple and makes for a unique and refreshing side dish. I shaved my fennel into thin slices using a mandoline, and tossed it with orange supremes, halved nicoise olives and parsley leaves. The dressing is simply orange juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. I think the nicoise olives worked really well in this dish, but you could use kalamata olives instead. If you wanted to dress this up for a special occasion, I think a combination of navel and blood oranges would be really attractive.

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25 comments:

  1. Rosa's Yummy YumsJanuary 10, 2009 at 8:57 AM

    I love fennel salad combined with fruits! This one looks delicious!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  2. anudivyaJanuary 10, 2009 at 8:57 AM

    I love Top Chef! I find it difficult to make anything from the show since most of them have some kind of protein in them. I love this salad and am a huge fan of fennel... So this would be a nice change.

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  3. DewiJanuary 10, 2009 at 9:22 AM

    This is my favorite salad. Honestly I can not live without having fennel bulb in my fridge and oranges on my kitchen table, even if they are not in season. when I run out of green (for salad), I just use this two combo. Yes they are delicious pair. I should try to add olives next time.
    Cheers,
    Elra

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  4. PamJanuary 10, 2009 at 9:45 AM

    I really need to start using more fennel in my cooking. I love the combination of orange and fennel together. The salad looks tasty.

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  5. JanJanuary 10, 2009 at 9:56 AM

    That sounds like a fabulous flavor combination, Sara.

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  6. LizNoVeggieGirlJanuary 10, 2009 at 10:04 AM

    Fabulous salad!!

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  7. UnknownJanuary 10, 2009 at 10:16 AM

    fennel's been on my list to try... this looks good enough for me to go and buy it!

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  8. JudyJanuary 10, 2009 at 11:43 AM

    Another great post. I always cook my fennel, have never tried it raw. I love the sound of this combo and I'm going to try it. And I'm still going to make that braised endive with prosciutto. Thanks Sara for great recipes!

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  9. HeatherJanuary 10, 2009 at 2:41 PM

    fennel and orange is such a perfect combination! this looks delicious!

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  10. vanillasugarblogJanuary 10, 2009 at 3:53 PM

    Ok I need to finally try this. I've seen this a couple times this past summer and was intriqued. Now you have it and I have to have it. lol

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  11. La Cuisine d'HeleneJanuary 10, 2009 at 7:04 PM

    I love fennel, so I would think I would love this recipe.

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  12. The Blonde DuckJanuary 11, 2009 at 4:48 AM

    What are fennels? It looks interesting.

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  13. Ana PowellJanuary 11, 2009 at 7:24 AM

    Hi Sarah
    I am in Portugal, came to spend a few days with my family. Its my sister`s birthday tomorrow.
    You always have the best salads.
    Wishing you a lovely weekend x

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  14. Culinary WannabeJanuary 11, 2009 at 9:15 AM

    I will take any excuse to use my mandoline! Definitely one of my favorite kitchen gadgets!

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  15. SaraJanuary 11, 2009 at 9:18 AM

    Blonde Duck - fennel is a bulb shaped vegetable with feathery green fronds on top. It's also known as anise. It has a mild licorice flavor when raw, and gets sweet when cooked.

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  16. graceJanuary 12, 2009 at 9:08 AM

    i really enjoy watching top chef, but would never consider making the things they make. i'm too much of a rube, but good for you for knowing what flavors pair well!

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  17. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenJanuary 12, 2009 at 9:50 AM

    That is a gorgeous salad. I agree, the blood oranges would be beautiful in it also. I love Everyday Food.
    Sam

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  18. Deepthi ShankarJanuary 12, 2009 at 12:42 PM

    wow thatz a delicious salad, Sara A new thing for me, shall try this

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  19. MariaJanuary 12, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    So fresh!! Love these flavors!

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  20. Mary BergfeldJanuary 12, 2009 at 7:12 PM

    Sara, I love fennel and the fennel-orange combination can't be beat. Your salad is beautiful.

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  21. Chef EJanuary 12, 2009 at 7:14 PM

    Could you ship me some seeds, I always wished i could have every kind of fruit and nut tree in my yard, lol

    I would go crazy for that!

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  22. Mrs.KannanJanuary 12, 2009 at 9:29 PM

    Waw...Your salad is colorful..looks yummy sara..I used to see fennel in grocery stores but dont know what to do with it..i think i should start using it with this salad.

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  23. UshaJanuary 13, 2009 at 10:01 AM

    Loved the simplicity and flavors used in this salad !

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  24. ReeniJanuary 13, 2009 at 7:39 PM

    What a pretty salad, the dressing sounds delicious! I don't think I've ever had orange juice mixed with olive oil in a dressing. I can't wait to try it!

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  25. LyBJanuary 15, 2009 at 6:36 PM

    It certainly looks very colorful and refreshing. :)

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