In a world flooded with perfectly curated salads, this one takes a different turn. The crunch of fennel slices and the burst of juicy mandarins create a symphony of textures. The burrata melts softly, bringing a creamy richness that balances the citrus sharpness. It’s a surprisingly refreshing way to celebrate winter’s fleeting produce and the playful chaos of flavor.
What makes this dish stand out is how it plays with vintage trends, bringing them back with a modern twist. The aroma of fresh fennel bulb mingles with the sweet citrus zest, easing into the cold season with a brightness that feels almost rebellious. Each bite is a reminder that simple ingredients can stir up unexpected excitement.
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?
- I love how the fennel’s anise scent cuts through the sweetness like a whisper in a noisy room.
- Joy erupts from the way the mandarins are perfectly tender, almost bursting with juice.
- There’s something chaotic and beautiful about balancing creaminess with crispness on the same plate.
- It’s deeply satisfying to see how easy ingredients transform into something with real personality.
- It reminds me of childhood snacks, but dressed up for adults.
This recipe matters right now because citrus and fennel evoke both comfort and freshness, perfect for the late winter/early spring shift. It’s a reminder that food can be both nostalgic and surprisingly new, giving us a fresh approach to familiar flavors. In a season craving simplicity but also vibrancy, this salad hits right where it’s needed.
Sometimes, the fuss-free approach of peeling mandarins and thinly slicing fennel can bring a good piece of peace. The gentle clink of the spoon forming the burrata’s creamy pool grounds each bite in indulgence. It’s a dish that underscores how thoughtful combinations can turn everyday ingredients into something memorable, even amid chaos outside your door.
Fennel and Mandarin Salad with Burrata
Equipment
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Serving platter or plates
Ingredients
- 2 fennel bulbs preferably firm and fresh
- 3 mandarins peeled and segmented
- 200 g burrata cheese preferably at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin preferred
- to taste salt preferably flaky sea salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Start by thinly slicing the fennel bulbs crosswise with a sharp knife, aiming for almost translucent, delicate slices. Place the fennel slices into a large mixing bowl to prepare for assembly.
- Gently peel the mandarins and divide them into segments, removing any membranes. Add the segments to the bowl with the fennel slices, distributing them evenly.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the fennel and mandarins, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients without breaking up the segments.
- Transfer the salad mixture onto a serving platter or individual plates, creating an even layer that showcases the colorful segments and crisp fennel slices.
- Carefully place torn pieces of burrata cheese on top of the salad, allowing their soft texture to contrast visually and texturally with the crisp fennel and juicy mandarins.
- Finish the presentation with a light drizzle of extra olive oil, an optional pinch of sea salt, and a few extra black pepper grounds for flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Notes
As the plate clears, I find myself appreciating how this salad balances the sharp, sweet, and savory in a way that feels totally natural. It’s a reminder that the simplest ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can challenge your idea of a typical salad. This dish doesn’t just fill you up—it sparks a quiet celebration of what fresh, seasonal produce can do.
There’s a quiet pleasure in timing the bite just right—fangs sinking into a mandarin segment, the fennel offering its crunch, and the burrata adding a velvety finish. It’s a feeling of subtle complexity made from humble parts. Perfect for the season, this salad reflects how food can be both comforting and exciting, a quiet act of day-to-day joy.
