Burrata, Fennel & Mandarin Salad Recipe

If you love bright, fresh flavors that come together in a dish bursting with texture and color, this Burrata, Fennel & Mandarin Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a wonderfully light and elegant salad that combines the creamy richness of burrata cheese with the crisp, aromatic crunch of fennel and the sweet, juicy pop of mandarins. Each bite feels like a celebration of spring sunshine on your palate, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort but maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ready to make magic with just a few simple but essential ingredients? Each one plays a unique role, creating a delicate balance of creaminess, freshness, and zesty sweetness that really makes this salad sing.

• Fennel bulb (with fronds attached): Offers a refreshing crunch and a subtle anise flavor that brightens the dish.
• Mandarins: Juicy and sweet, they add vibrant color and a citrusy burst.
• Burrata (6 ounces): The star of the show with its creamy, luscious texture perfect for contrast.
• Chive blossoms for garnish (optional): Adds a mild oniony note and lovely visual appeal on top.
• Zest of 1 mandarin: Brings an intense citrus aroma that elevates the vinaigrette.
• Mandarin juice (¼ cup): Provides natural sweetness and tang for the dressing.
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Smooths the vinaigrette and lends a rich mouthfeel.
• Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances acidity with a gentle floral sweetness.
• Sherry vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds complexity and bright acidity to tie everything together.
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper: Season each component to perfection.

How to Make Burrata, Fennel & Mandarin Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Vinaigrette

Start by whisking together the mandarin juice, mandarin zest, olive oil, honey, and sherry vinegar. This vinaigrette is the heart of the salad’s flavor—it’s bright, sweet, and a little tangy all at once. Don’t forget to season it well with sea salt and freshly ground pepper to make all those flavors pop.

Step 2: Prepare the Fennel

Take your fennel bulb and carefully cut off the fronds. Set those aside because you’ll use them for a nice fresh garnish later. Then, slice the fennel as thin as possible—about the thickness of a quarter—using a mandolin or a very sharp knife. Thin slicing ensures it stays crisp without overpowering the other ingredients.

Step 3: Segment the Mandarins

Peel the mandarins and separate them into clean segments, removing any pith or seeds that might add bitterness. These juicy citrus bites will bring bursts of flavor and bright color to your salad.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

Arrange the thinly sliced fennel and mandarin segments on a serving plate, creating a fresh and inviting base. Place the burrata gently in the center, letting its creamy goodness shine. Drizzle the vinaigrette generously over everything, making sure to cover the fruit and fennel for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle over the reserved fennel fronds and scatter the optional chive blossoms to add delightful color and a subtle oniony detail. Serve your Burrata, Fennel & Mandarin Salad Recipe immediately for the freshest experience.

How to Serve Burrata, Fennel & Mandarin Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like fresh fennel fronds and chive blossoms transforms the salad into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. They bring an elegant touch and subtle flavor layers without overwhelming the dish’s delicate balance.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or a crisp white wine. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted fish to complement the fresh, citrusy salad notes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, arrange the salad on a large wooden board or in shallow bowls, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures. A drizzle of aged balsamic or a sprinkle of toasted almonds can add extra depth and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep the burrata separate if possible to prevent it from becoming overly soggy.

Freezing

Because of its fresh ingredients and delicate texture, freezing this salad is not recommended. Burrata and fresh citrus don’t fare well in the freezer, so it’s best prepared and eaten fresh.

Reheating

Reheating is not suitable for this salad, as it’s intended to be served chilled to highlight the bright, crisp flavors. Enjoy it cold to get the best experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute burrata with mozzarella?

Yes, mozzarella can be used if you can’t find burrata, but keep in mind that burrata’s creamy filling adds a special richness that mozzarella lacks.

What if I don’t have sherry vinegar?

You can substitute sherry vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different—still delicious, just less complex.

How do I slice fennel without a mandolin?

If you don’t have a mandolin, use a very sharp knife to slice the fennel as thinly as possible. Take your time for safety and the best texture.

Can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

To make this vegan, replace burrata with a plant-based cheese alternative or marinated tofu, and adjust the honey to maple syrup for a vegan vinaigrette.

What is the best way to peel mandarins for this salad?

Peel the mandarins gently with your hands or a small knife, then use a paring knife to remove the thin white pith carefully before segmenting to keep the fruit bright and sweet.

Final Thoughts

This Burrata, Fennel & Mandarin Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that tastes like sunshine on a plate. It’s quick, simple, and yet so sophisticated that it always delights anyone who tries it. I’m excited for you to make it, share it, and enjoy every fresh, creamy, and citrusy bite!

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