Winter Citrus Avocado Fennel (Printable)
A refreshing blend of citrus, avocado, and fennel delivering crisp, creamy, and bright flavors for winter dishes.
# What You Need:
→ Citrus Fruits
01 - 2 large oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
02 - 2 blood oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
03 - 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced into rounds
→ Vegetables & Fruits
04 - 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced (fronds reserved for garnish)
05 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
→ Dressing
06 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (use maple syrup for vegan option)
09 - 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
11 - 2 tbsp toasted pistachios or slivered almonds
12 - Reserved fennel fronds
13 - Flaky sea salt (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Slice off the top and bottom of each citrus fruit. Using a sharp knife, remove the peel and white pith. Slice each fruit into 1/4-inch rounds and remove any seeds.
02 - Place the citrus rounds on a large serving platter, slightly overlapping the slices for an attractive presentation.
03 - Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice the fennel bulb. Distribute the fennel slices evenly over the arranged citrus.
04 - Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and peel. Slice the flesh and arrange the pieces over the salad.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
06 - Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad immediately before serving.
07 - Sprinkle with toasted pistachios or almonds, reserved fennel fronds, and flaky sea salt if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The contrast between silky avocado and crisp fennel makes every bite feel like a discovery
- Its the perfect excuse to eat something impossibly fresh when comfort food fatigue sets in
02 -
- Citrus releases water as it sits, so dress this right before serving or the bottom of your platter will become soupy
- A mandoline is worth it for the fennel, paper thin slices transform the texture completely
03 -
- Room temperature citrus releases more juice and has better flavor than cold from the fridge
- Let your dressed salad sit for just two minutes before serving to let the flavors kiss