Blood orange, fennel and radish salad

It's that time of year when we are dreaming about the plans for this year's potager and counting the days until spring arrives.  As much as I adore the rustic, peasant-style dishes of winter, I'm looking forward to dining alfresco, tender baby peas topped with French butter and fresh strawberries picked and eaten right in the garden.

Fennel is a winter staple in the kitchen at The Cook's Atelier and is perfect when sliced thin and paired with blood oranges and French garden radishes, drizzled with olive oil, and simply finished with a grind of fresh pepper and a sprinkling of fleur de sel.  It' a beautiful salad that is bright and cheerful - perfect as we countdown the days until spring.

Blood orange, fennel and radish salad

serves 6

2 blood oranges

1 small bunch of French breakfast radishes

2 heads of fennel

juice of 1 small lemon

Parmesan, cut into thin slices using a vegetable peeler

3 tablespoons fruity extra-virgin olive oil

A grind or two of fresh black pepper and a sprinkling of fleur de sel

Slice off the bottom of each blood orange and cut away the peel and pith from top to bottom.  Cut into slices and remove the seeds.

Cut off the leaves of the radishes and cut into thin slices.  If the leaves of the radishes are perky, add them to the salad.  

Trim off the fennel tops and slice in half.  Remove the tough outer layer and trim the bottom. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, cut into very thin slices, tossing them into a bowl of lemon juice to prevent them from discoloring.  

Gently toss all of the ingredients together, except for the blood oranges (they will bleed their juice), in a small bowl.  Season to taste and arrange on a platter.  Tuck the slices of blood orange in and around the salad.  Finish with a few shavings of Parmesan.

Comments

[Maggie]

Just beautiful Marjorie!

[Marjorie]

Hello Maggie,

Thanks so much for your sweet comment. I've been busy trying to capture the light through the window of my atelier. I like that photo too.

[Cathy Sweeney]

You're so right -- that is a beautiful salad. Nice recipe!

[Paris in Pink]

I have never seen such an exquisite salad! Your blog is divine, by the way. Adding you to my favorites :)

Hugs from your new fan in Paris xx

Camille @ Paris in Pink

[Marjorie]

Hello Cathy and Camille,

Thanks for stopping by! It's nice to meet you both and I am happy that you enjoyed your visit :^).