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.

25 comments:

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

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

Cheers,

Rosa

anudivya said...

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.

Dewi said...

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

Pam said...

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

Jan said...

That sounds like a fabulous flavor combination, Sara.

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Fabulous salad!!

Unknown said...

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

Judy said...

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!

Heather said...

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

vanillasugarblog said...

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

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

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

The Blonde Duck said...

What are fennels? It looks interesting.

Ana Powell said...

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

Culinary Wannabe said...

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

Sara said...

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.

grace said...

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!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

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

Deepthi Shankar said...

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

Maria said...

So fresh!! Love these flavors!

Mary Bergfeld said...

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

Chef E said...

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!

Mrs.Kannan said...

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.

Usha said...

Loved the simplicity and flavors used in this salad !

Reeni said...

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!

LyB said...

It certainly looks very colorful and refreshing. :)