It doesn’t at all feel like spring over here in Orlando. Not quite yet. It’s pretty chilly late in the evening and everything looks so autumn-y. Guess winter is not willing to say goodbye just yet.
Not what I put on my plate though. We are welcoming Spring with open arms through our eyes and bellies, and we encourage you to do the same 😉
Today, I want to discuss about my obsessive grocery shopping habits. We love shopping at many places from the Oriental Market, Whole Foods, BJ’s, Publix to Indian grocery stores. Not to forget the local farmers market, which by the way is so sparse.
That’s a whole lot of venue!
We don’t hit it all at the same time. And I don’t think we’ll ever be able to shop at only one place for groceries. Ever.
My pantry staples, meat and dairy are from BJs. Whole Foods is for occasional bulk bin items, ie. rolled oats, micro greens, nut butters etc.
Publix is just around the corner, so that’s reserved for organic yogurt, eggs & butter emergencies 😉
You’d think the list ends there, right?
Wrong? We drove more than 2 hours one way last weekend to visit the nearest Trader Joes to us. Adventurous? I love to think so 😀
We love love love TJ’s and have been hooked ever since we traveled all over the place, namely Los Angeles. We made sure we stayed at hotels that at least have a small stove for us to occasionally gobble on comfy and heart meals.
Survival 101, huh?
Speaking about groceries, check out the colors in this salad — it’s a feast for eyes and taste-buds! There’s a nice crunch and freshness from fennel, dukkah and mint too. So easy and refreshing for Spring and Summer.
If only the weather cooperates. Duh!
Ingredients:
- 4 small blood oranges, peeled & thinly sliced
- 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp roasted walnut oil
- 2 tbsp dukkah spice*
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- pinch of salt & black pepper
- a few fresh mint leaves
Directions:
- In a huge salad platter, arrange sliced blood oranges and fennel. Sprinkle with dukkah, salt and black pepper. Drizzle some lemon juice and roasted walnut oil. Finish it off with a few fresh mint leaves!
*An Egyptian-Middle Eastern spice mix consisting of a mixture of herbs, nuts, usually hazelnut, and spices. It is typically used as a dip with bread or fresh vegetables, and eaten as an hors d’œuvre. Pre-made versions of dukkah can be bought in the spice markets — via Wikipedia.
Here’s hoping that the snow melts down as soon as possible up North. And praying for Trader Joes to open in Orlando. Priorities much?
Seriously. It’s high time they do that 😉
Where do you usually shop for groceries? Pretty sure I’m not the only one with a long list…
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No spring here yet either…. But I’m hopeful that it’s just around the corner 🙂 Your salad is gorgeous! Love blood oranges!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet recently posted..New York Style Crumb Cake
Anna — I’m hoping winter snow dies soon. Really 😀
A splendid salad! So fresh and delightfully tasty. Great clicks!
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa — thank you my friend 🙂
I am right there with you girl. I shop at Whole Foods for veg, meat, chicken, some fish and specific pantry items. Trader Joe’s for the stuff you can only get at TJ! Costco for bulk organic fruit + vegetables, avocados, some natural house products. PCC (natural markets coop store) for local veg, some meat and great wine deals. Then Target for house stuff (toilet paper, etc.) and sometimes QFC and Fred Meyer when certain products are on sale. Insane!!!!
Alyssa (Everyday Maven) recently posted..Maple & Cardamom Glazed Carrots
Alyssa — that’s a loooong list, girl! 🙂
I love the color of blood orange and truly the salad is a welcome to Spring. Out here Spring has appeared in full form but some how I am still eating wintery food 🙂
Kankana recently posted..Vodka Mac and Cheese
Kankana — I’m so jealous it’s Spring-y at your end! Send some of that weather my way 😀
Blood oranges are such beauties! Lovely salad for Spring.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..toblerone cookies
Laura — thank you my friend 🙂
your photos…………..wow. so ‘pinterestable’! 🙂
my hubby takes me to only costco and indian store for grocery. just once in two weeks. that too if he is in good mood. *sigh*
Nisha recently posted..Trip to India: Experiences, Discoveries, Stories – My Diary
Nisha — thank you my friend. And if you know driving, you’d go for more grocery shopping yourself 😉
i love the colors in this salad- it screams spring. Dallas is slowly getting springy weather. I hear you about grocery stores, I hit different ones too. I have been meaning to go to TJs which is 1 hour away from me 🙁 too
dixya@food, pleasure, and health recently posted..Sprouted Mung Bean & Cilantro Salad {Recipe Redux}
Dixya — go to TJs. Now! 😀
this looks lovely. love TJs too, infact I’m going there tonight after work, luckily I work in NYC so it’s easy, but then I gotta carry groceries home, not fun. yeah there is no sign of spring here either.. it’s freakin cold today.. wore all my layers. I don’t stick to 1 grocery store either, I do TJ’s every week or every other. Whole Foods once a month usually. Costco once in 2 or 3 months. Desi store once a month. 🙂
Honey What’s Cooking recently posted..Friday’s Favorite Things – 3.22.13
Honey — you totally gave me a glimpse into your life! I can’t imagine carrying groceries home. It must be a task, especially during erratic weather these days.
We’re still waiting on Spring…it’s going to be a high of 32 degrees tomorrow. Yuck! But there is nothing like a bright and vibrant dish to warm us all up! This looks beautiful, my friend. Thank you for sharing!
Monet recently posted..Oatmeal Raisin Bars (and a pregnancy brain mishap)
Monet — a bright dish is all we have now, until the weather cooperates 😉 thanks my friend!
Such a gorgeous salad! I love your simple ingredients that combine to make for a very flavorful salad, I’m sure. Great recipe, Kiran!
Georgia — thank you my friend 🙂
I love a good fennel and orange salad, but I’ve never tried dukkah spice! Looks pretty tasty 🙂
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence recently posted..Homemade Crème Fraîche
Brandon — It adds a great texture and there’s fennel seeds in dukkah spice. You can get it from TJ’s 🙂
What stunning photos. You captured one of my favorite parts of Spring, when the beautiful produce begins to reappear and you need do so little with it for a truly spectacular feast. Thanks for sharing!
Shut Up & Cook | The Attainable Gourmet recently posted..Buffalo Chicken Salad with Chipotle Dressing, Avocado, and Goat Cheese
SUAC — spoken like a true champ! And thanks for reading my friend 🙂
What a stunning dish, such beautiful colour! (: xx
Gemma @andgeesaid recently posted..Raspberry and Olive Oil Yoghurt Cake with a Lemon Poppyseed Glaze
Gemma — thank you so much!
Unable to take my eyes off your clicks Kiran. Every click here is as stunning as can be. Simple, yet a lovely salad.
Mallika recently posted..Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Mallika — awww, thanks a lot my dear 🙂 Your comment definitely made my day!!
I make an orange, fennel and red onion salad but yours is special. Using blood oranges and your dukkah spice sounds terrific.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..Porchetta…An Italian Classic
Karen — I don’t like raw red onions, but I can see how I’d enjoy your version of this salad. Thank you! 🙂
Love this combination of fennel and grapefruit. Looks delicious!
I wouldn’t know what to do without Trader Joe’s! Hope one comes to you ASAP.
Ameena recently posted..she’s 8
Ameena — It’s fennel with blood oranges, but grapefruit would work too I guess 😉
ps: Enjoy NYC! I love it there, plenty of good vibes and eats 🙂
Gah! This has gorgeous written ALL over it, lady!
ashley – baker by nature recently posted..Maple-Ginger Raspberry Muffins
Ashley — thank you and I love your comment, lady 😉
I love the vibrant colors of the salad! Delicious!
sweet-lab recently posted..blood orange rosemary pâte de fruit
SweetLab — thank you so much 🙂
Love the flavour combo my friend and beautiful presentation 😀
Cheers
CCU
CCU recently posted..Guest Post #4: Satisfying a Craving, The Healthy Way
CCU — thank you so much my dear! Hope you are excelling in your finals 🙂
This salad looks delicious! Thanks for sharing! Xo, M&K
M&K — thank you for the compliment 🙂
Ooh brilliant flavor combination that licorice fennel taste with citrus and Egyptian spice mix. Lovely, vibrant, winter salad.
foodwanderings recently posted..Red Hazeret – A Horseradish & Red Beets Relish
Shulie — thank you so much my dear 🙂
I could spend all day in a grocery store or at a farmer’s market and it would be a great day for me I love it!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Ginger, Turmeric Spiced Spring Carrot Soup Recipe
Sylvie — I ditto your sentiments 🙂
I do wish there was just one supermarket destination here too ! It seems a lot less complicated here in Singapore where the options are simply more limited, but even so, one supermarket has the freshest greens, wet markets have the best fish, and the local supermarket for all my staples.
Carolyn Chan recently posted..Las Estrellas Mirador San Nicolas, Granada, Spain
Carolyn — it can be a pain to go all over the place for groceries 🙂
Absolutely stunning Kiran 🙂 Such beautiful blood oranges!
Cass @foodmyfriend recently posted..White Chocolate and Champagne Truffles
Cass — thank you so much!!
I’m a huge fan of citrus salads so I have got to try this. Never thought about adding fennel to citrus fruit but it sounds great!!
Mia Malene recently posted..Lush giveaway!!
Mia — Fennel is so anisey and floral. Works well with citruses. Try it and let me know how it tastes 🙂
I love Publix! We used to live in Florida, and it’s a great supermarket. Obviously not the only place one wants to shop, but for everyday stuff it’s great. I miss their Key Lime Pie and their house brand ice creams. Anyway, this salad looks wonderful. We’ve been eating a ton of fennel this year, but haven’t yet made a salad with oranges. I will! Yours looks wonderful. Thanks.
john@kitchenriffs recently posted..Poached Eggs
John — Thank you so much and I hope you’d enjoy this salad. And now, I’m craving a key lime pie!
This salad looks beautiful. There’s no sign of Spring from my corner either, as we anticipate 5-6 inches of snow tomorrow! At least we can create Spring in our kitchen. : )
Monica recently posted..Devil’s Food cake
Monica — ditto about creating spring in kitchen. It’s sucks that snow doesn’t seem to let go of it’s grip!!
It doesn’t feel like spring here, either. In fact it’s supposed to snow tomorrow! Sigh. Gorgeous salad.
Jen @ Savory Simple recently posted..Banana Coconut Parfait
Jen — I hope you are keeping yourself warm 🙂
Thats a very nice looking salad, well plated.
Raymund recently posted..Vegetable Manchurian
Raymund — thank you so much my friend 🙂
Hehe I’d love to know what everyone’s grocery habits are like! We will drive for good produce and interesting products 🙂
Lorraine — So glad we aren’t alone, scooting off a few hours just to get quality produce 🙂
A gorgeous salad. The colour of blood orange just breathtakingly beautiful and irresistible.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Berry Chia Pudding
Angie — thank you so much my dear 🙂
This is so pretty! I love blood oranges.
Sunnie@moderngirlnutrition recently posted..Blueberry Power Smoothie
Sunnie — thank you!
What a pretty salad! I’ve never had a blood orange – I must try them!
Dorothy — Thank you and do try blood oranges. It has fantastic flavor and color, of course 😉
Pretty and refreshing salad.
Lail | With A Spin recently posted..Easy Breezy Fresh Fruit Pie
Lail — thank you!
How perfect for Spring!
TSM — thank you!
I see so many blood orange recipes lately on the blogs! Your salad is gorgeous!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com recently posted..Spicy Asian noodles and mushrooms, with snow peas
Julia — thank you! Blood oranges are in season. But not for too long, so grab at it while it lasts 🙂
I’d travel that far for Costco or Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods except we don’t have anything within driving distance. Maybe Costco in the next 18 months in Brisbane, only an hour.
Love this salad!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef recently posted..Homemade Spring Rolls Recipe with a Twist
Maureen — grocery shopping can be a little overwhelming sometimes.
Such a simple beauty. When the ingredients are fresh and minimal like this, we enjoy the element of ingredients. That’s how I like to eat a lot of food. This is simply gorgeous Kiran. I think I repinned yesterday but going to pin again. I’m in love with the photos…
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Garlic Miso Chicken Bento ガーリック味噌チキン弁当
Nami — oh, thanks a lot for pinning my dear. You are a sweetheart 🙂
What a gorgeous salad! Love the colors.
Asmita recently posted..Tea Bag Cookies
Asmita — thank you!
Beautiful salad! Spring hasn’t sprung in London. We still have winter weather unfortunately! 🙁
mycookinghut recently posted..Bukhara & Taj Mahal
Leemei — Here too. Can you believe FL is so chilly right now?! We’ve had it, bring on Spring!!
The flavors in that salad sound so refreshing and like just the thing for a warm spring day. I’ve been thinking about fresh spring/summer salads lately too, and will be experimenting with making them with Scandinavian ingredients including smoked salmon and lingonberries soon!
Daytona — thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. We love smoked salmon and lingonberries. We don’t get fresh lingonberries, but have been enjoy the preserves from Ikea 🙂
This is simply amazing. Simplicity, freshness and taste!
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ recently posted..Lebanese Sweet Potato Wrap with Mint Tzatziki and Toasted Almonds
Daniela — thank you so much 🙂
Love these blood orange beauties. Salad looks so beautiful and colourful.
Your Cookery Book recently posted..Spicy Potato Wedges
YCB — thank you so much my friend 🙂
Kiran, I saw your photo on the DailyBuzz email and had to click through. This salad is simply stunning! So beautiful!
Sarah W. Caron (Sarah’s Cucina Bella) recently posted..Roasted Asparagus with Tomatoes
Sarah — thanks a lot, my dear friend!! I can’t wait to meet you again at FBF this year 🙂
Gorgeous salad!!! Now I just need to hunt down some dukkah….My shopping habits sound similar to yours, and lucky for me, there is a Trader Joes about 10 minutes away from my house:-). Can’t wait to make this!
EA-The Spicy RD recently posted..Strawberry Lemon Tarragon Sauce & a Delicious New Look!
EA — thank you my dear. And yes, you’d find dukkah at TJ’s. So lucky that it’s just 10 minutes drive from your home 😉
Looks really bloody orange , though i have never seen a one 🙂 Nice pictures
Kulwant singh recently posted..Ulcer Pain Relief, Location And Home Remedies
Kulwant — thank you and yes, blood oranges are a rare out of the States 🙂
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