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Fennel and Radicchio Pasta Salad with Orange Vinaigrette – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Fennel and Radicchio Pasta Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Awaken your taste buds with a pasta salad bursting with color, texture, and sophisticated flavor. This elegant dish pairs the subtle, anise-like crunch of fennel with the pleasantly bitter bite of radicchio, all tied together with a vibrant, sweet-tart orange vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • For the Orange Vinaigrette
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) extra-virgin olive oil or walnut oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g / 0.18 oz) light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the Pasta Salad
  • 1 pound (450 g / 15.9 oz) penne pasta
  • 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and shredded
  • 1 head radicchio, quartered and cut into ¼-inch / 6mm strips
  • 2 oranges, peeled and chopped
  • ½ cup (75 g / 2.65 oz) chopped red onions (optional)
  • ¼ cup (30 g / 1.06 oz) toasted walnuts, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (4 g / 0.14 oz) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • for the Perfect Pasta Salad
  • For extra crispness, soak the shredded fennel and radicchio in a bowl of ice water for 10-15 minutes. Drain and pat them completely dry before adding to the salad.
  • Make the dressing up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using.
  • Feel free to customize! Swap the walnuts for toasted pecans or slivered almonds, or add a handful of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, salty kick.

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta by adding the penne to a large pot of salted boiling water.
  2. Stir occasionally and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes or according to package directions.
  3. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down slightly and stop the cooking process.
  4. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vinaigrette.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine the fresh orange juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
  6. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
  8. Set aside.
  9. In a large serving bowl, combine the shredded fennel, radicchio strips, chopped oranges, and optional red onions.
  10. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables.
  11. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over everything and toss gently to combine, ensuring all are lightly coated.
  12. Garnish with toasted walnuts and fresh parsley just before serving. This salad can be served immediately or chilled for later.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 85gProtein: 15gFat: 20g

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