Fresh Fennel, Orange, and Blueberry Salad

Fresh Fennel, Orange, and Blueberry Salad has a bright, refreshing flavor with contrasting textures ranging from crunchy to creamy and features flavor elements that pop with brightness. It's a winter salad that every-body craves.

If you crave oranges in the winter like I do, then you must check out some of my other favorite recipes that feature winter's star citrus fruit: Orange Cashew Chicken Salad, Homemade Orange Curd, Orange Cream Puffs, and Blueberry and Orange Sheet Pan Pancakes.

The ingredients:

*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.

Ingredient information:

MIXED GREENS - I like to use a mixed-green blend of lettuce for this salad because I enjoy the variety of flavors, colors, and textures.

FRESH FENNEL - The bulb of this crisp and crunchy vegetable is sliced thinly and used raw in this salad. The delicate leafy fronds of the fennel stalks are edible and can be used as a salad garnish if desired.

RED ONION - Raw red onion has a sweet, pungent flavor that pairs wonderfully well with fresh fennel slices. Thinly sliced red onion goes a long way in this salad, so that you won't need much.

MANDARIN ORANGES - Since citrus is in peak season in the winter, the sweetness and burst of juice the mandarin orange segments provide in this wintery salad, in contrast to the bite of the fresh fennel and onion slices, is incredible.

FRESH BLUEBERRIES - The blueberries in this salad were a last-minute addition, but I am SO happy I added them to the mix. The texture and flavor of the chilled blueberries are a fantastic addition to the peppery sweetness of this salad.

FRESH AVOCADO - This was another last-minute addition on my part that I'm thrilled to have added. The creamy texture of avocado is a delightful contrast to the crunchy fennel, onion, and juicy mandarin orange segments.

AVOCADO OIL - This has been my go-to oil of choice recently. I like how light and neutral-flavored it is. However, extra virgin olive oil would be an excellent choice for this recipe as the flavor of a good quality extra virgin olive oil would shine in this light and flavorful dressing.

RED WINE VINEGAR - Just a touch of red wine vinegar is required, as the vinegar balances out the flavors of the dressing.

ORANGE JUICE - I used the juice from one entire mandarin orange for the dressing. Feel free to supplement with store-bought orange juice if you don't get enough juice from the mandarin orange (you'll need ¼ cup).

SALT AND PEPPER - I always use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. You may use these "to taste" and not go with the recipe's quantity. Or you may decide to leave them out entirely. However, if you follow the recipe using table salt instead of kosher salt, please refer to the gray box below.

*Important Note—If using table salt instead of kosher salt, please cut back on the amount of salt called for in the recipe card by half because they measure differently due to grain size.

Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

• chef's knife
• paring knife
• cutting board
• measuring cups and spoons (optional)
• citrus juicer
• salad bowls

What is fennel?

Fennel is a bulb that grows underground with stalks that resemble celery and delicate fronds that resemble dill. Fennel is a member of the carrot and celery family. The bulb is crisp and delicious when raw, but fennel is also fantastic when cooked.

What are the health benefits of fresh fennel?

Many people praise fennel for its digestive qualities. Fennel is loaded with fiber, and eating it can help reduce gas and bloating.

Fennel also contains magnesium and potassium, which can help to regulate blood pressure.

Learn more about the health benefits of fennel.

What does fennel taste like?

Fennel has a light anise (licorice) flavor with a slightly peppery bite.

The seeds from the fennel plant are used for many things, but you'll most likely recognize them as a primary flavor in Italian sausage.

How to store fresh fennel?

You can store fennel right from the store loosely wrapped in damp paper towels or a clean, damp kitchen towel and place it inside a plastic bag in the vegetable drawer of your fridge for up to 5 days.

When ready to use, chop off the stalks (with fronds) and the root end of the bulb. Slice the white bulb into thin slices, then clean the slices under running water in a colander before use. The fronds may be saved for garnish if desired.

Best way to store blueberries for long-lasting freshness:

This blueberry storage hack will blow. your. mind!!

When you bring your blueberries home from the store, wash them as you usually do and lay them out on a paper towel until completely dry.

Once fully dry, place the berries into a clean glass mason jar and add the lid.
The blueberries will stay fresh for WEEKS! Weeks, I tell you! It's like magic. Try it!!

What are some of the health benefits of fresh blueberries?

Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants. They may help lower inflammation, reduce blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol.

Learn more about the health benefits of blueberries.

What are some health benefits of avocado?

Avocados are a superfood that contain healthy fats that may help to lower cholesterol. They are also low in fructose, so they're less likely to cause gas.

Learn more about the health benefits of avocados.

How to store avocados?

Store avocados on the counter at room temperature IF, and only if they're hard to the touch and don't give under slight fingertip pressure.

However, if the avocados you have are already slightly soft under pressure and you don't plan to use them immediately, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for an additional few days.

What are some health benefits of mandarin oranges?

Mandarin oranges are an excellent vitamin C source, promoting healthy skin, immune function, and collagen production.

Learn more about the health benefits of mandarin oranges.

How do you store mandarin oranges (cuties)?

You can store fresh oranges in the refrigerator without preparation. Remove the skin and the white "netting" membrane from the orange segments before adding them to the salad.

Would canned orange segments work in this salad?

Yes, they'll work fine. Use the no-sugar-added variety, and constantly drain the segments before adding them to the salad.

Can the dressing for this salad be made in advance?

Yes. Shake it in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. *Note - shake again before serving.

Winter salad with fennel and orange add-ins and swap-out suggestions:

As an add-in, I'd recommend adding some toasted chopped nuts like pistachios, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for an extra crunchy texture.

I'd also love to see shaved Parmesan or Romano cheese on the top of this salad for additional color contrast and because it pairs well with fresh fennel.

As a swap for fresh fennel, some thinly sliced radishes would make for a nice peppery bite, or if you like fennel but it's not available, adding chopped fresh tarragon would make a very suitable replacement.

Dried fruit like blueberries, cherries, or cranberries would add additional sweetness in place of, or in addition to, the fresh blueberries.

If you prefer a different mix of lettuce, all-romaine, or iceberg lettuce base, go for it.

Related recipes for you to enjoy:

• Italian Sausage, Fennel and White Bean Soup
• Citrus-Ginger Chicken
• Deliciously Cheesy Baked Fennel Onion Gratin Recipe
• Italian Sausage, Fennel and Potatoes
• Winter Chopped Salad

I sincerely hope you'll enjoy making (and eating) today's fresh and delicious winter salad with fennel, orange, and blueberries as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

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Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!