I love how a good salad can feel both sophisticated and effortless—and this Celery & Orange Salad nails it.

It’s crisp, juicy, aromatic, and incredibly fresh. The sweet citrus pairs perfectly with the subtle licorice notes of fennel, the bite of red onion, and the crunch of celery.

Tossed with a delicate champagne vinaigrette, it’s the kind of salad that wakes up your senses and brings a little sunshine to the plate, no matter the season.

Imagine a salad that not only looks good but also delivers a refreshing crunch with every bite.

The combination of crunchy celery, sweet oranges, aromatic fennel, and sharp red onion creates a medley that’s both refreshing and invigorating.

The Champagne vinaigrette adds a touch of elegance, making this dish a wonderful addition to any gathering.

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love My Celery & Orange Salad

This salad has a perfect balance of textures and flavors—sweet, tangy, crisp, and slightly peppery.

The citrus segments bring brightness, while the celery and fennel offer refreshing crunch. The champagne vinaigrette ties everything together without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

It’s vegan, gluten-free, and absolutely beautiful to serve, making it a go-to dish for both casual meals and special occasions.

A Bright and Zesty Salad

This vibrant salad showcases a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

The crispness of celery pairs beautifully with the sweetness of juicy oranges, while the aromatic fennel adds an intriguing layer of complexity.

Thinly sliced red onion introduces a zesty kick, making every bite a refreshing experience.

Tossed in a light Champagne vinaigrette, this salad offers a sophisticated touch that elevates it from a simple side dish to a standout feature on any table.

The medley of ingredients creates a harmony that’s perfect for a light lunch or an elegant accompaniment to a main course.

Ingredients That Shine

The key to this Celery and Orange Salad with Fennel, Red Onion and Champagne Vinaigrette lies in its fresh ingredients.

Using crisp stalks of celery, bright orange segments, and aromatic fennel ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.

The subtle sweetness of honey in the vinaigrette complements the natural flavors of the vegetables and fruits.

Don’t overlook the fresh parsley garnish, which not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall freshness of the dish.

With just a few simple components, this salad is a celebration of seasonal produce.

Preparation Made Easy

Preparing this salad is a breeze and can be done in just a short amount of time.

Begin by thinly slicing the celery, fennel, and red onion.

Segmenting the oranges should be done carefully to preserve their shape and juiciness, then set them aside to be mixed in later.

Next, making the Champagne vinaigrette involves whisking together olive oil, Champagne vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

This simple yet elegant dressing ties all the elements of the salad together, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.

Combining the Flavors

Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to combine them for the final mix.

In a large bowl, add the sliced celery, fennel, red onion, and orange segments.

Drizzle the Champagne vinaigrette over the top and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

This gentle tossing is key to maintaining the integrity of the delicate ingredients, allowing the vibrant colors and textures to shine through.

It’s essential to serve the salad soon after combining to enjoy the freshest flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This Celery and Orange Salad can be enjoyed in various ways.

Serve it chilled on a warm day for a refreshing lunch or as a side dish for dinner, where it can complement grilled meats or seafood beautifully.

It also makes for an excellent addition to a buffet-style meal.

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled or baked fish like salmon, halibut, or sea bass. It also complements roast chicken, quinoa bowls, or Mediterranean-style platters.

For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a chickpea stew or lentil patties. It’s especially great for brunch spreads, baby showers, or spring and summer entertaining when you want something light but flavorful.

This versatility ensures that the salad can be adapted to suit any occasion or dietary preference.

A Rustic Presentation

Presentation plays a crucial role in the appeal of this dish.

Serving the salad in a rustic bowl against a wooden table backdrop enhances its inviting look, making it a visually pleasing centerpiece.

Don’t forget to add a bit of extra parsley on top just before serving for that final touch of greenery.

This simple addition not only looks appealing but also signals freshness, inviting guests to dive right in.

Tips for the Best Celery & Orange Salad

Use a sharp knife to segment the oranges cleanly, removing all the pith for a clean, juicy bite. Slice the fennel and celery very thin for the best texture—using a mandoline makes this even easier.

Let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes after tossing with the vinaigrette so the flavors can meld. And if your red onion is especially strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow them out.

Refreshing Celery and Orange Salad with Fennel and Red Onion
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Refreshing Celery and Orange Salad with Fennel and Red Onion

Recipe by JoanneCourse: Side dish or light saladCuisine: Mediterranean-inspiredDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Calories per serving

120

kcal

This salad is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with the crispness of celery and fennel, the sweetness of oranges, and the zesty kick from red onion. Tossed in a light Champagne vinaigrette, it’s a salad that feels both refreshing and sophisticated.

Ingredients

  • For the Salad:

  • 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced

  • 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced (fronds reserved for garnish)

  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 large oranges, segmented

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or fennel fronds (optional)

  • For the Champagne Vinaigrette:

  • 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • One-eighth teaspoon salt

  • One-eighth teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Prepare the citrus:
  • Using a sharp knife, peel the oranges and cut between the membranes to remove clean segments. Set aside in a bowl, reserving any juice.
  • Slice the vegetables:
  • Thinly slice the celery, fennel bulb, and red onion. If using the fennel fronds, roughly chop a few for garnish.
  • Make the vinaigrette:
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together champagne vinegar, orange juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
  • Assemble the salad:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine celery, fennel, red onion, and orange segments. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently.
  • Serve:
  • Let the salad rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or fennel fronds if desired.

Notes

  • Blood oranges or Cara Cara oranges add a beautiful color twist.
  • For added crunch, toss in a handful of toasted pistachios or almonds.
  • This salad is vegan and naturally gluten-free.
  • Add avocado slices or goat cheese crumbles for a richer version.
A colorful Celery and Orange Salad with fennel and red onion in a bowl, drizzled with Champagne vinaigrette on a rustic wooden table.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The citrus and dressing may soften the veggies slightly, but the flavors will still be lovely.

Stir gently before serving. Do not freeze.