Roasted Fennel and Orange Salad with Toasted Pistachios and Pomegranate Honey Dressing - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Roasted Fennel and Orange Salad with Toasted Pistachios and Pomegranate Honey Dressing

Get ready to wow your taste buds with this vibrant Roasted Fennel and Orange Salad! Sweet, zesty, nutty, and bursting with color, it's topped with crunchy pistachios and a luscious pomegranate honey dressing. This dish is a show-stopper—simple to make, but oh-so-special. Shall we dive in?

4.3 out of 5 (3 ratings)

Ah, salads—sometimes they get a bad rap for being boring, but let me tell you, this is not your average lettuce-and-cucumber situation. Enter the Roasted Fennel and Orange Salad with Toasted Pistachios and Pomegranate Honey Dressing. This dish is like sunshine on a plate! Imagine caramelized wedges of fennel, slices of juicy, sweet oranges, a scattering of pistachios, and a drizzle of this tangy-sweet dressing that’s just downright irresistible. The first time I whipped this up, I could practically hear my taste buds dancing. It’s bright, bold, and perfect for stirring up some salad envy at your next dinner table.

Roasted Fennel and Orange Salad with Toasted Pistachios and Pomegranate Honey Dressing Recipe

What sets this recipe apart is how it brings together unexpected flavors and textures in one harmonious bite. The roasted fennel, with its subtle licorice notes, becomes soft and slightly sweet in the oven, pairing beautifully with the citrusy oranges. Then, BAM!—a pop of crunch from those toasted pistachios. Finally, the pomegranate honey dressing ties it all together with its playful mix of tang and sweetness. It’s like the MVP sauce you never knew you needed. And don’t skip the pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top—they’re like dazzling edible jewels! This salad reminds me of Mediterranean markets, where fresh, vibrant ingredients come together in the most magical way.

The best part? It’s ridiculously versatile. Serve it as a side dish to roasted chicken or grilled fish, or make it the star of a light lunch paired with some crusty bread. If you want to switch it up, try swapping pistachios for almonds or add a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a creamy twist. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some peppery arugula or even cooked quinoa for some heft. Honestly, this salad is a canvas, and you, my friend, are the artist. So grab your fennel and oranges, and let’s turn up the flavor dial—you’re going to love every bite!

Keywords: roasted fennel salad recipe, orange and fennel salad with pistachios, pomegranate honey dressing salad, Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe, fennel salad with citrus, unique salad recipes, roasted vegetable salad ideas

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 2 medium fennel bulbs, sliced
  • 2 oranges, segmented
  • 1/3 cup pistachios, shelled and toasted
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 cups mixed greens or arugula
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

  2. 2

    Slice the fennel bulbs into wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.

  3. 3

    Roast the fennel in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until it is caramelized and tender. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

  4. 4

    While the fennel is roasting, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, pomegranate molasses, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  5. 5

    Toast the pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.

  6. 6

    Segment the oranges by cutting away the peel and pith, then carefully cut between the membranes to release the segments.

  7. 7

    Assemble the salad on a large serving platter or bowl. Start with a base of mixed greens or arugula, then arrange the roasted fennel, orange segments, and pomegranate seeds on top.

  8. 8

    Drizzle the prepared pomegranate honey dressing over the salad and sprinkle with toasted pistachios.

  9. 9

    Serve immediately as a light lunch or side dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories

240 calories

Protein

5g

Carbs

25g

Fat

14g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare most components in advance. Roast the fennel and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can also be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. However, assemble the salad with the greens, oranges, pistachios, and dressing just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for pomegranate molasses?

A: If you don’t have pomegranate molasses, you can substitute it with balsamic glaze or a mix of equal parts honey and lemon juice for a similar sweet-tangy flavor. Keep in mind that the flavor won’t be identical, but it will still work well with the salad.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate if possible to avoid the greens becoming soggy. Note that the roasted fennel and greens may lose some of their texture after storage.

Q: Can I use a different nut instead of pistachios?

A: Yes, you can substitute pistachios with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Toast them in the same manner to bring out their flavor. If you prefer a nut-free option, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds are a great alternative.

Q: What’s the best way to segment oranges?

A: To segment oranges, use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the orange. Stand it upright and slice away the peel and white pith in downward strokes. Then, carefully cut between the membranes to release the orange segments. Work over a bowl to catch any juice, which you can add to the dressing for extra flavor.

Q: Why isn’t my fennel caramelizing properly?

A: If your fennel isn’t caramelizing, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before roasting. Spread the fennel slices in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding them, as overlapping pieces can cause steaming instead of roasting. Tossing them with enough olive oil also helps with caramelization.

Q: Can I serve this salad warm?

A: Yes, this salad can be served warm. Simply assemble the salad immediately after roasting the fennel while it’s still warm, and drizzle on the dressing. It’s a great option for cooler weather and adds a comforting element to the dish.

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