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Baked feta salad with mandarin and fennel

Baked feta salad with mandarin and fennel
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A bright and flavorful baked feta salad combining creamy, salty baked feta cheese with sweet juicy mandarins and crisp fennel. This vibrant salad offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, perfect as a light meal or an elegant side dish that’s quick to prepare and full of fresh, natural flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

  • 1 block of feta cheese (about 200g)

Fruits and Vegetables

  • 2 mandarins, peeled and segmented
  • 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced (core removed)
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Fresh herbs (dill or flat-leaf parsley), chopped, for garnish

Oils and Seasonings

  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling and roasting (about 2-3 tbsp)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • Toasted pine nuts or walnuts, for crunch (about 2 tbsp)
  • Honey, for drizzling (optional, about 1 tsp)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Feta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the block of feta in a small baking dish. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and season with freshly cracked black pepper. This prepares the cheese to soften and develop a creamy texture when baked.
  2. Roast the Feta: Bake the feta for about 15 minutes, until golden and slightly puffed. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking. Roasting enhances the feta’s tanginess and creates a luscious texture perfect for the salad.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit: While the feta is baking, thinly slice the fennel bulb, removing the core to reduce bitterness. Peel and segment the mandarins carefully, making sure to remove any pith to keep the salad fresh and sweet.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Arrange the sliced fennel on a large platter as the base. Scatter the mandarin segments evenly on top. Once the feta is done, crumble it gently or place the whole block in the center of the salad. Drizzle with lemon juice and a little more olive oil. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs and add toasted nuts if using.
  5. Season and Serve: Add a final sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm feta with crisp fennel and juicy mandarins.

Notes

  • Use room temperature feta for even baking and creamier texture.
  • Slice fennel thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife for delicate crunch.
  • Remove all pith from mandarins to prevent bitterness.
  • Do not overbake the feta; slight browning is ideal for texture and flavor.
  • Toast nuts just before serving to maximize their crunch and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked feta salad, mandarin salad, fennel salad, Mediterranean salad, baked feta recipe, citrus salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/baked-feta-salad-with-mandarin-and-fennel/