Roasted Fennel and Orange Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Roasted Fennel and Orange Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

Let’s brighten up your taste buds! This roasted fennel and orange salad is a zesty, caramelized masterpiece topped with a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette. Sweet, savory, and a total flavor adventure—this dish takes salad to the next level. Ready to roast and whisk? Let’s dive in!

4.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

Let’s shake up your salad game, shall we? Picture this: tender roasted fennel caramelized to perfection, sweet bursts of juicy orange, and a drizzle of tangy honey mustard vinaigrette tying it all together. Sounds like a party, doesn’t it? I love how this dish transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something that feels special enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight pick-me-up. Plus, who says salads need to be all leafy and green? This one is a refreshing twist that’ll make you look at oranges and fennel in a whole new light.

Roasted Fennel and Orange Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

What makes this salad truly shine is the unexpected pairing of flavors. Roasting fennel gives it a mellow, almost buttery sweetness, which beautifully balances the citrusy brightness of the orange. The honey mustard vinaigrette comes in with just the right amount of tangy zing, enhanced by a hint of Dijon and a touch of golden honey. Crunchy toasted almonds add texture, and if you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of ground coriander gives it a slight earthy edge. It’s a dance of flavors, textures, and aromas that feels both Mediterranean and a little bit gourmet, without the fuss.

Now, it’s your turn to bring this zesty creation to life! Serve it as a light appetizer, or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a bright, satisfying main dish. You could even toss in some arugula or watercress if you’re craving greens or swap almonds for pistachios for a fun twist. This salad is versatile enough to play well with whatever you have on hand. But trust me, don’t skimp on the roasting step—it’s the magic that takes fennel from "meh" to "magnificent." Ready to wow your taste buds? Go ahead and give it a try!

Keywords: roasted fennel orange salad recipe, honey mustard vinaigrette dressing, gourmet salad ideas, Mediterranean-inspired salad, fennel and orange pairing, easy roasted fennel salad, unique salad recipes

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 2 large fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Arrange the sliced fennel bulbs on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

  3. 3

    Roast the fennel in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the edges are caramelized and the fennel is tender.

  4. 4

    While the fennel is roasting, prepare the honey mustard vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil until emulsified. Set aside.

  5. 5

    Peel and segment the oranges, removing any seeds. Set the segments aside.

  6. 6

    In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, roasted fennel, orange segments, and toasted almond slices.

  7. 7

    Drizzle the salad with the honey mustard vinaigrette just before serving, and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately as a light appetizer or pair with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories

220 calories

Protein

4g

Carbs

22g

Fat

14g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare some components ahead of time. Roast the fennel and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The honey mustard vinaigrette can also be made in advance and kept refrigerated for up to 1 week. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for fennel?

A: If you don't have fennel or prefer a different flavor, roasted celery root, parsnips, or even thinly sliced raw celery can be used as substitutes. Keep in mind that these alternatives will alter the flavor profile slightly, as fennel has a mild licorice-like taste.

Q: Can I use a different type of citrus fruit instead of oranges?

A: Yes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like grapefruit, blood oranges, or mandarins. Each will add a unique flavor to the salad. Just make sure to peel and segment the fruit properly to avoid bitterness from the pith.

Q: How should I store leftovers of this salad?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, the salad may lose some freshness as the greens can wilt, and the vinaigrette may make the salad soggy. To minimize this, store the greens, roasted fennel, and vinaigrette separately and combine just before eating.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for almonds?

A: If you’re avoiding nuts, you can use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or crispy chickpeas for a similar crunchy texture. If you have a nut allergy, ensure the replacement is safe for your dietary needs.

Q: How can I adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette?

A: If you prefer a less sweet vinaigrette, reduce the amount of honey to 1 tablespoon or add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness. For a sweeter dressing, you can increase the honey to 3 tablespoons.

Q: What protein can I add to make this salad a full meal?

A: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or shrimp for added protein. For vegetarian options, consider adding roasted chickpeas, crumbled feta, or a poached egg.

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