Fresh Citrus and Fennel Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh, crisp salad with bold flavor and vibrant color, this citrus and fennel salad delivers. Thinly sliced fennel adds a cool crunch and subtle licorice flavor, while juicy pink grapefruit bursts with sweet-tart flavor in every bite. Tossed with a light citrus dressing, this salad is perfect for summer brunches, picnics, or anytime you want something that feels a little fancy but takes just minutes to prepare.

The top view of a grapefruit and fennel summer salad.

It has been a long time since I posted a fennel recipe. We were getting several fennel bulbs weekly in a farm box for a little while. We no longer have a box delivered because Mr. Fearless Dining and I love to go to our farmer’s market every Sunday morning. Our teens are not up before 11:00 on the weekends, making this the best “couple” time.

This grapefruit fennel salad recipe is so easy to make it mixes up in just minutes. Bring it to a picnic or potluck because as this salad sits, the flavors combine and absorb, making it even better!

This citrus and fennel salad recipe has a surprising yet harmonious combination that works exceptionally well. The pink grapefruit flavor in this grapefruit fennel salad works well with many vegetables. We are big salad lovers here, and I have lots of delicious gluten free salad recipes to try!

Sandi holding a tray of biscuits that are going in the oven to bake.

A Note From My Kitchen

If you’re new to fennel, don’t let the licorice scent scare you off because it’s much milder than you’d think, especially when sliced thin and paired with citrus. I don’t like black licorice either, but I love fennel in fresh salads like this one. It stays crunchy and adds a subtle herbal flavor that makes the grapefruit pop. This salad is a great way to enjoy seasonal citrus in a whole new way.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Pink Grapefruit – Use pink grapefruit if you can find it. The flavor is a little sweeter.
  • Fennel – Look for firm, crisp fennel with the tops. The tops are nice for chopping into the salad as well.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds great citrus flavor to the dressing.
  • Olive Oil – Use extra virgin olive oil if you have it.
  • Lime Juice – Fresh limes tie all of the flavors together.

How to Make Citrus Fennel and Salad:

Slicing fennel bulbs on a cutting board.

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Step 1: Slice the fennel with a sharp knife. Slice only the white bulb and include some of the feathery green topping. Place the slices into a bowl.

Step 2: Remove the pink grapefruit rind and cut the citrus into small pieces. Add to the fennel.

Step 3: Whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour over the fennel and pink grapefruit. Toss to coat and serve.

Storage Tips:

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days.

More Deliciously Easy Salad Recipes:

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💬 Did you make this fennel salad recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Your feedback helps others (and helps me keep improving these recipes for you). ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The top view of a grapefruit and fennel summer salad.

Citrus and Fennel Salad with Grapefruit

Sandi Gaertner
This fresh grapefruit and fennel salad is crisp, tangy, and light. It's perfect for summer brunches or winter citrus season. A simple, elegant gluten-free side dish!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Gluten Free Salad Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 68 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups fennel
  • 2 pink grapefruits
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions
 

  • Slice the fennel and grapefruit into thin slices. Add to a large salad bowl.
  • Add the wet ingredients into a small container. Whisk to blend.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. 

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, my rule of thumb is to add more flour if your dough or batter is wet and add more liquid if the dough or batter is too dry!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 68kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 54mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

I truly hope you enjoy this recipe. I have been testing and creating gluten-free recipes for over 15 years. Creating gluten-free recipes that do not taste gluten-free is my goal for every recipe. Sometimes I only have to test a new recipe a couple of times, and others it takes multiple times. I do this so you get reliable, delicious results every time!

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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