Grapefruit & Goat Cheese Fennel Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Grapefruit & Goat Cheese Fennel Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines crisp fennel, juicy grapefruit, and tangy goat cheese. The addition of Kalamata olives and toasted pine nuts adds wonderful texture and depth of flavor. Perfect as a light lunch or a sophisticated side salad.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 medium shallot, minced
• 1 tsp. za’atar or dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium bulbs fennel, halved and thinly sliced, reserving some fronds
• 1 medium grapefruit, cut into segments or peeled and cut into rounds
• 1/3 cup (about 15) Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped or torn
• 2 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp. toasted pine nuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced shallot, and za’atar or dried oregano. Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: Add the thinly sliced fennel to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the dressing. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Step 3: Arrange the grapefruit segments over the tossed fennel, then sprinkle with the chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts.
4. Step 4: Garnish the salad with the reserved fennel fronds and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a sweeter touch, drizzle a little honey into the dressing before tossing the salad.
• Replace grapefruit with oranges or blood oranges for a different citrus twist.
• Use walnuts or toasted almonds instead of pine nuts for a different crunch and flavor.
• If you don’t have za’atar, substitute with a mix of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds or simply use dried oregano.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The salad is best enjoyed fresh as fennel and grapefruit can lose their crispness over time. If needed, add fresh grapefruit segments and goat cheese before serving again to refresh the flavors. Avoid storing with dressing to keep the fennel crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the fennel and dressing ahead but add the grapefruit, goat cheese, and pine nuts just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

What if I don’t have pine nuts?

You can substitute toasted walnuts, almonds, or pecans for pine nuts to add a similar nutty texture and flavor.