This Shaved Fennel Salad combines a delicious mix of crisp fennel, juicy oranges, chewy cranberries, and crunchy walnuts with tender baby spinach. Tossed in a citrusy dressing, it’s a refreshing and delicious side salad, perfect for any meal.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Shaved Fennel Salad Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients Fennel Salad
• 🔪 How to Make Shaved Fennel Salad
• 💡 Tips for Making This Fennel Salad
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Fennel Orange Salad
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can You Eat Fennel Raw?
• What Does Fennel Taste Like?
• What Can I Do If My Fennel is Tough?
• Can I Just Use Pre-Sliced Fennel?
• 🍽️ More Delicious Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Shaved Fennel Salad Recipe

• Thinly shaved fresh fennel
• Juicy orange segments
• Tender baby spinach
• Sweet chewy cranberries
• Crunchy toasted walnuts
• Tossed in a citrus dressing

Fennel is one of those ingredients that often gets overlooked in salads, but with this Shaved Fennel Salad it takes center stage. With a crispy texture and subtle anise flavor, fennel pairs perfectly with juicy orange segments and chewy cranberries. Adding toasted walnuts adds an irresistible crunch, while the baby spinach gives this salad even more fresh flavor and tons of added nutrients.

The zesty homemade dressing ties everything together with just the right amount of bright, refreshing citrus flavor. This easy-to-make fennel salad is not only delicious but also makes a beautiful presentation. It’s the perfect choice for a light, flavor-packed lunch or a vibrant side dish, whether for busy weeknights or special occasions.

If you love this salad, you’ll also enjoy the crisp flavors of my Panzanella Salad and the vibrant freshness of this Pear and Pomegranate Spinach Salad.

🛒 Ingredients Fennel Salad

• Fennel
• Baby spinach
• Oranges
• Red onion
• Dried cranberries
• Walnuts
• Apple cider vinegar
• Lemon 
• Olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Honey or Agave, if Vegan
• Garlic
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mandolin
• Mixing bowl
• Salad dressing shaker

🔪 How to Make Shaved Fennel Salad

To Make the Dressing

Add all the dressing ingredients in a salad dressing shaker.

Shake well to combine until the dressing is emulsified, then set it aside, while you prepare the salad.  If you don't have a shaker, you can use a small bowl and whisk instead.

To Make the Salad

Wash and dry your fennel, then cut off the stems and discard or save to use in a vegetable stock. Chop 2 tablespoons of the fronds and set them aside to use in the salad. Slice each fennel bulb in half.

Using a mandolin slicer set on the thinnest slicer setting, slice each section of fennel.

Add the fennel to a large mixing bowl.

Repeat the process with the red onion.

Zest each orange and save for garnishing the salad.  Carefully slice the rind and pith off each orange, then run your knife between each membrane to remove the segments.

Add the orange segments in the same bowl with the fennel, then add in the sliced red onion, cranberries, toasted chopped walnuts, baby spinach and chopped fennel fronds.

Pour the dressing over the top, then gently toss to combine making sure everything is well coated in the dressing.

Serve in a large bowl or platter and garnish with the reserved orange zest.

💡 Tips for Making This Fennel Salad

This is a very straightforward, easy recipe that you just about can't mess up. But here are a few things that will ensure your salad is the best every time:

• When selecting fennel bulbs, look for firm, white bulbs with no soft spots or discoloration. The fronds should be fresh and green, not wilted.

• When selecting your oranges, choose the ones that feel heavy for their size and have a smooth skin rather than pitted or rough ones. Smooth skin often means the fruit is fresher and juicier.

• If preparing the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Transfer the salad into an airtight container to keep it fresh. If the dressing was mixed in, make sure the container is tightly sealed to minimize exposure to air. Store the container in the refrigerator. The salad should be eaten within 1-2 days for the best quality.

🍴 What to Serve with Fennel Orange Salad

Protein: Serve the fennel salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or fish. The smoky flavors from the grill complement the fresh and vibrant flavors of this salad. This Grilled Citrus Chicken, this easy Grilled Steak, and these Grilled Shrimp Skewers are all wonderful options.

Soup: A soup and salad combo is always a hit. Pair this salad with a bowl of soup, such as this Carrot and Lentil Soup or this Cream of Asparagus Soup.

Pasta: For a hearty meal, you can serve fennel salad as a side dish with a pasta dish like homemade spaghetti or Penne Alla Vodka. 

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Baby spinach: Swap with arugula, mixed greens, or kale for a different leafy base.

• Navel oranges: Substitute with grapefruit, mandarin oranges, or even sliced apples for a different fruit flavor.

• Dried cranberries: Use dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots.

• Toasted walnuts: Replace with toasted pecans or almonds.

• Honey: Use maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan alternative.

• Cheese: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a touch of creaminess.

• Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to make the salad more filling.

• Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or dill can add extra flavor.

• Other vegetables: Include thinly sliced radishes, celery  or bell peppers for added crunch and color.

• Seeds: Sprinkle with chia seeds or sunflower seeds for extra texture and nutrition.

For another tasty Vegan friendly salad, try this Vietnamese noodle salad that's made with fresh veggies, rice noodles and tofu, tossed in a hearty peanut sauce!

Can You Eat Fennel Raw?

You sure can. Every part of it is edible, from the bulb to the flowers, can be eaten raw.

What Does Fennel Taste Like?

Fennel has a unique flavor, It combines a subtle hints of licorice or anise and a mildly sweet and slightly earthy taste. When raw, fennel is crisp and crunchy with a refreshing, slightly peppery flavor. When cooked, it becomes sweeter and more mellow. The fennel fronds add a fresh, herb flavor.

What Can I Do If My Fennel is Tough?

If your fennel is tough, try slicing it even thinner or letting it sit with a pinch of salt for about 10 minutes to help soften it. Using a mandolin slicer can also ensure even, thin slices.

Can I Just Use Pre-Sliced Fennel?

Pre-sliced fennel can be convenient, but for the best texture and flavor, slicing fennel yourself just before serving is recommended. This helps retain its crispness.

🍽️ More Delicious Salad Recipes

• Chickpea Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Pickled Beet Salad
• Mediterranean Chopped Salad
• Nicoise Salad
• Easy Bean Salad
• Avocado Salad