Blood Orange And Fennel Salad

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I have always associated oranges with winter. Specifically, my childhood Christmas stocking. Now, when all my sisters and I get together over the holidays the conversation about our stockings typically comes up. And yes, we talk about how half of our stockings were taken up by the ORANGE! Rippage. So I know this is the season of the orange. It should however take up it’s fair share of this salad, a simple seasonal course with minimal ingredients that are crisp and fresh. The bright flavors of peppery arugula, mild anise flavor of the fennel and the sweet citrus from the oranges make this a vibrant and refreshing winter classic.

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Serves 4

1 fennel bulb

2 or 3 oranges, depending on size

3 cups arugula (optional) depending how you want to serve the salad

1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 small shallot, minced

Salt and pepper

2 teaspoon orange zest

Toasted walnuts

Zest orange. Skin rind and white pith of the orange.  Slice. Cut stems off fennel and slice bulbs. (Use a mandolin if you make the stacked salad.) In a small bowl combine orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, shallots salt and pepper. If using arugula place on serving plate, drizzle with dressing. Then arrange fennel and oranges. Garnish with orange zest and toasted walnuts. Or if not serving on arugula garnish with fennel fronds. Drizzle with remaining dressing.

These festive colors are perfect for Valentines Day!!

 

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4 Comments

  1. Yes – The sisters did love the ORANGE… so much that this sister has carried the tradition into her own kids stockings! 🙂

  2. This sounds & looks fabu!! I can’t wait to try it! YUM!