The Zesty Roasted Fennel, Pomelo, and Salmon Platter Recipe

Roasted fennel crafts ordinary meals into culinary adventures, offering unexpected layers of delicate sweetness and robust complexity.

This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines vibrant ingredients that dance together with remarkable harmony.

The fragrant vegetable brings subtle anise undertones that complement rich protein selections beautifully.

Delicate salmon provides a sumptuous canvas for these elegant flavors, creating a stunning plate that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Pomelo’s bright citrus notes add refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness with elegant precision.

Seasonal ingredients elevate this recipe from simple meal preparation to a sensory experience that delights multiple palates.

Fresh herbs and careful roasting techniques unlock deep, nuanced flavors that will surprise you.

Roasted Fennel, Pomelo, and Salmon Platter That’s Light Yet Satisfying

• Create a Flavor Symphony: This recipe brilliantly combines roasted fennel's caramelized sweetness, bright pomelo's citrusy punch, and salmon's rich, buttery profile, delivering a complex taste experience in every single bite.
• Embrace Effortless Elegance: With minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, this dish looks sophisticated yet requires surprisingly little culinary expertise, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to impress without stress.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Salmon provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, fennel offers digestive benefits and antioxidants, while pomelo contributes vitamin C and refreshing zest, creating a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on deliciousness.
• Master Quick Weeknight Dining: From preparation to plating, this entire recipe takes less than an hour, allowing busy individuals to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending excessive time in the kitchen.

Everything That Goes on This Elegant Platter

Main Ingredients:

• Fennel: A mild, sweet vegetable with a delicate anise flavor that roasts beautifully and provides a tender base for the dish.
• Pomelo: A large citrus fruit with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that adds refreshing brightness and juicy texture to the platter.

• Salmon Fillets: A rich, omega-3 packed fish that offers a delicate and buttery flavor when baked perfectly.

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• Olive Oil: A smooth, heart-healthy oil that helps roast vegetables and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that caramelizes fennel and balances the citrus flavors.

• Lemon Juice: A bright, tangy liquid that helps tenderize the fennel and adds zesty undertones.

• Salt: A crucial seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: A warm, slightly spicy seasoning that complements the salmon and adds depth.
• Fresh Thyme: An aromatic herb that provides a subtle earthy note and beautiful garnish.

Steps for Roasting and Arranging with Style

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C using traditional heat setting.

Step 2: Slice the Fennel

• Trim the base and top stalks of the fennel
• Slice vertically into 0.5 cm thick slices
• Arrange slices on a baking sheet

Step 3: Create Fennel Marinade

• Olive oil
• Honey
• Lemon juice

Brush the mixture over fennel slices and sprinkle with salt.

Step 4: Roast the Fennel

Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, checking periodically to ensure even roasting.

Step 5: Prepare the Salmon

• Place salmon fillets in a baking dish
• Drizzle with olive oil
• Season with salt and pepper

Bake for 12-14 minutes until cooked through.

Step 6: Prepare the Pomelo

Slice pomelos into rounds, carefully removing white pith to reduce bitterness.

Step 7: Break Down the Salmon

Use forks to break cooked salmon into chunks.

Step 8: Assemble the Platter

• Layer roasted fennel on plates
• Add pomelo slices
• Top with salmon chunks
• Drizzle with vinaigrette
• Garnish with fresh thyme

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful dish!

Tips to Keep Salmon Juicy and Fennel Tender

• Slice Fennel Carefully: Use a sharp knife to cut fennel into uniform slices, ensuring even roasting and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Monitor Roasting Time: Keep a close eye on fennel and salmon while cooking to prevent burning and maintain optimal moisture and flavor.
• Remove Pomelo Pith Thoroughly: Take extra time to carefully remove the white membrane between pomelo segments to reduce bitterness and enhance the citrusy sweetness.
• Use Fresh Herbs Generously: Add fresh thyme just before serving to boost the aromatic profile and bring a bright, herbaceous note to the platter.
• Create Balanced Layering: Arrange components strategically, starting with roasted fennel as a base, then adding pomelo and salmon to create visual appeal and diverse textures.

How to Store Leftovers Without Overpowering Smells

• Refrigeration: Carefully store leftover salmon, fennel, and pomelo in an airtight container. Seal tightly and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Keep refrigerated at 4°C or below to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Salmon: Gently warm salmon in the oven at 120°C to maintain moisture. Wrap the fish in aluminum foil and heat for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the delicate fish and compromise its texture.
• Fennel Handling: Roasted fennel can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and restore its original crispy edges. Consume within 2-3 days for best taste and quality.

Pairings That Match Pomelo’s Brightness

• Craft a Citrusy Seafood Symphony: Pair this vibrant salmon dish with a crisp, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc that complements the pomelo's bright acidity and cuts through the richness of the roasted salmon.
• Enhance with Herbal Undertones: Create a side of fresh arugula salad dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette to echo the dish's citrusy notes and add a peppery contrast to the sweet roasted fennel.
• Serve with Crusty Companion: Accompany the platter with a rustic sourdough bread to soak up the delicious vinaigrette and provide a satisfying textural counterpoint to the tender salmon and fennel.
• Cool Refreshing Finish: Prepare a light cucumber and mint granita as a palate cleanser, which will complement the dish's fresh flavors and provide a cool, refreshing end to the meal.

Swaps and Spins on This Citrus-Plated Dish

• Zesty Citrus Salmon Plate: Replace pomelo with grapefruit or blood orange for a tangy flavor profile. Swap honey with maple syrup and add orange zest to the roasting marinade for extra brightness.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Season salmon with oregano, rosemary, and garlic. Substitute fennel with roasted artichoke hearts and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Spicy Asian Salmon Remix: Brush salmon with soy sauce, ginger, and chili flakes. Replace roasted fennel with bok choy or Chinese cabbage. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with green onions for an Asian-inspired touch.
• Scandinavian-Style Platter: Use dill instead of thyme, add pickled red onions, and serve with a creamy mustard sauce. Roast the salmon at a lower temperature for a more delicate texture typical of Nordic cuisine.

Roasted Fennel, Pomelo, And Salmon Platter Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Roasted fennel, pomelo, and salmon platter brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to your table with elegant simplicity. Fresh salmon mingles with caramelized fennel and zesty pomelo, creating a light, harmonious dish that celebrates seasonal ingredients’ natural beauty.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 fresh salmon fillets
• 1 large fennel bulb (about 400g)
• 2 large Corsican pomelos (or 1 if very large)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for fennel)
• 1 teaspoon honey (for fennel)
• ¼ lemon
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh thyme

Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon strong mustard

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 356°F (180°C) using traditional heating mode, preparing for a flavorful roasting process.
2. Carefully trim the base and upper stalks of fennel, then slice vertically into thin 0.2-inch (0.5 cm) pieces, arranging them evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Create a glaze by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, golden honey, and fresh lemon juice. Generously brush this aromatic mixture over fennel slices, then sprinkle with sea salt for enhanced flavor.
4. Roast the fennel in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, rotating the tray midway to ensure uniform caramelization and tenderness.
5. Position salmon fillets in a clean baking dish, drizzle with premium olive oil, and season with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.
6. Bake salmon for 12-14 minutes until it reaches a delicate, flaky texture and opaque appearance.
7. While salmon cooks, carefully segment pomelos, meticulously removing bitter white membrane to reveal juicy, vibrant fruit sections.
8. Gently separate salmon into rustic chunks using two forks, maintaining its delicate texture.
9. Artfully compose the platter by layering roasted fennel as a base, strategically placing pomelo segments and salmon chunks.
10. Finish the dish with a light vinaigrette drizzle, scattered fresh thyme leaves, and a final seasoning of salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

Notes

• Precise Oven Temperature Matters: Maintaining 180°C ensures perfectly roasted fennel without burning, creating a caramelized exterior with tender interior.
• Honey-Lemon Glaze Transforms Fennel: The olive oil, honey, and lemon mixture adds subtle sweetness and helps achieve beautiful golden-brown roasting.
• Skin Removal Tip for Pomelos: Carefully removing the white pith reduces bitter flavors, allowing the citrus’s bright, refreshing taste to shine through.
• Salmon Cooking Precision: Baking salmon for 12-14 minutes prevents overcooking, keeping the fish moist and flaky.
• Layering Creates Flavor Harmony: Strategically assembling the dish with roasted fennel as a base, topped with pomelo and salmon, ensures each bite combines complementary textures and tastes.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds an aromatic complexity that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg