Baked feta salad with mandarin and fennel

If you’re craving a bright, flavorful dish that brings together sweet citrus, crunchy vegetables, and creamy cheese, you’re going to love this Baked feta salad with mandarin and fennel. This vibrant salad bursts with fresh, natural flavors that make it a perfect light meal or an elegant side dish. The combination of warm, slightly salty baked feta with juicy mandarin slices and crisp fennel creates a fantastic harmony, making it a refreshing recipe to keep in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless elegance: Simple ingredients come together for a stunning, restaurant-quality salad.
• Balanced flavors: Sweet mandarins, crunchy fennel, and savory baked feta make every bite exciting.
• Healthy and fresh: Loaded with fresh produce, this salad is light but satisfying.
• Versatile meal: Perfect as a side or a standalone light lunch.
• Quick prep: Minimal chopping and baking time mean you can enjoy it any night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component of this baked feta salad with mandarin and fennel is thoughtfully chosen for both flavor and texture. These simple but essential ingredients ensure a vibrant plate that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

• Feta cheese block: The star ingredient, providing creamy, salty richness when baked.
• Mandarins: Sweet, juicy segments that add refreshing citrus brightness.
• Fennel bulb: Crisp and aromatic with a subtle anise flavor that complements the cheese and citrus beautifully.
• Olive oil: Quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling and roasting to bring everything together.
• Fresh herbs: Dill or parsley adds color and an herbal lift.
• Lemon juice: Enhances the citrus notes and balances the cheese’s saltiness.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning that brightens each ingredient’s natural flavors.
• Optional nuts: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch and depth.

Variations for Baked Feta Salad with Mandarin and Fennel

This Baked feta salad with mandarin and fennel recipe is incredibly flexible. Feel free to swap or add ingredients to suit what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

• Swap mandarins for oranges: Different citrus varieties can bring new undertones to the dish.
• Add arugula or spinach: Toss in some peppery greens for extra texture and nutrition.
• Use vegan feta: Easily adapt the recipe for a plant-based diet using dairy-free cheese.
• Include roasted beets: Add earthiness and vibrant color to the salad mix.
• Add a drizzle of honey: For extra sweetness to balance the tangy feta and tart citrus.

How to Make Baked Feta Salad with Mandarin and Fennel

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Feta

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a block of feta in a small baking dish, drizzle generously with olive oil, and season with freshly cracked black pepper. This step softens the feta and enhances its creamy texture.

Step 2: Roast the Feta

Bake the feta for about 15 minutes or until it’s golden and slightly puffed. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Roasting intensifies the cheese’s tanginess and creates a luscious topping for your salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit

While the feta bakes, thinly slice the fennel, removing the core for less bitterness. Peel and segment the mandarins carefully, removing any pith to avoid bitterness. This ensures crisp, sweet, and juicy salad ingredients.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

On a large platter, lay a bed of sliced fennel, then scatter the mandarin segments on top. Once the feta is done, gently crumble or place it whole in the center. Drizzle lemon juice and a little more olive oil over the top, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and add toasted nuts if using.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Give a final sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm feta with crisp, cool fennel and juicy mandarins.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta Salad with Mandarin and Fennel

• Use room temperature feta: It bakes more evenly and achieves a creamier texture.
• Slice fennel thinly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife for delicate crunch.
• Remove pith from mandarins: To keep the salad from turning bitter.
• Don’t overbake the feta: Slight browning is perfect; too long and it becomes dry.
• Toast nuts in advance: Toast just before serving for maximum crunch and flavor.

How to Serve Baked Feta Salad with Mandarin and Fennel

Garnishes

Brighten your salad with a sprinkle of fresh dill or flat-leaf parsley leaves for a pop of green and fresh aroma. A few microgreens or edible flowers also make a beautiful, eye-catching garnish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or grilled chicken for a filling meal. It also works well alongside light seafood options like citrusy shrimp or seared scallops.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in individual bowls topped with a whole baked feta block or on a large platter with the feta crumbled artistically across for a rustic look. You can also stuff pita bread pockets or flatbreads with this salad for a fresh Mediterranean-style wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the baked feta separately from the salad to maintain its texture.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the fennel and mandarins will lose their fresh crunch and juiciness upon thawing. However, you can freeze the feta block before baking if you want to prep ahead.

Reheating

Reheat baked feta gently in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F/150°C) until warm, but avoid microwave heating as it tends to dry the cheese out unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of mandarins?

Absolutely! Oranges, grapefruit, or even blood oranges work beautifully and bring different flavor profiles to the salad.

Is baked feta salad with mandarin and fennel suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it includes no meat, relying on fresh vegetables, fruit, and cheese for flavor and texture.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to bake the feta and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

What if I don’t have fennel?

Substitute with thinly sliced celery or cucumber for crunch, though fennel’s unique flavor is hard to replicate exactly.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Use a plant-based feta cheese alternative and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey if adding sweetness for a fully vegan salad.

Final Thoughts

This Baked feta salad with mandarin and fennel is a fresh celebration of contrasting textures and bright flavors that can quickly become a favorite go-to recipe. Whether you serve it as a simple lunch or a stunning side at your next dinner gathering, it offers a delightful balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet that everyone will rave about. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how refreshing and satisfying a salad can be!

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