Description
This vibrant salad is a textural masterpiece, combining zesty citrus segments with the dual charm of roasted and raw fennel. The buttery richness of ripe avocado provides a velvety contrast to the crisp radicchio and sweet-tart oranges and grapefruit. Finished with a bright lemon dressing and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and savory cheese, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. It is a perfect, farm-fresh side dish that brings elegance and plant-based nutrition to any table.
Ingredients
1 fennel bulb, cut into wedges and roasted
1 fennel bulb, very thinly sliced
5 radicchio leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces
2 satsumas or 1 small orange, segmented
1 small pink grapefruit, segmented
1 avocado, sliced into thick wedges
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup shaved vegetarian hard cheese
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
For the dressing: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the fennel wedges with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until caramelized and tender.
While the fennel roasts, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice for the dressing; season with salt and pepper.
On a large platter, arrange the torn radicchio leaves as a base.
Top the radicchio with the roasted fennel wedges and the thinly sliced raw fennel.
Carefully nestle the citrus segments and avocado wedges among the fennel.
Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts, shaved cheese, and fresh mint leaves.
Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad just before serving.
Notes
Use a mandoline for the raw fennel to get paper-thin slices for the best texture. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the raw fennel slices in ice water for 10 minutes before assembling to keep them extra crunchy. You can substitute the vegetarian cheese with vegan parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg