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Fresh New Year’s Eve Snacks Dinner Bowl with Easy Citrus Fennel Salad

fresh new year’s eve snacks dinner bowl - featured image

A vibrant and refreshing snack bowl combining crunchy fennel, juicy citrus segments, roasted chickpeas, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for New Year’s Eve or any festive occasion, this bowl is quick to prepare and full of fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (185g)
  • 1 cup roasted chickpeas (165g)
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced
  • 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens (60g)
  • 45 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 1 large orange, peeled and segmented
  • 1 large grapefruit, peeled and segmented
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook 1 cup (185g) of quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes). Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, pat dry thoroughly. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and a pinch of smoked paprika if desired. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden and crunchy.
  3. Remove stalks and fronds from fennel bulb (save fronds for garnish). Cut bulb in half, remove core, and thinly slice crosswise.
  4. Peel orange and grapefruit, removing all white pith. Segment the citrus by cutting between membranes to release clean segments. Collect any juice for dressing.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, salt, pepper, and a splash of reserved citrus juice.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine fennel slices, citrus segments, and chopped parsley. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. On a large serving plate or bowl, layer cooked quinoa or brown rice, baby spinach or mixed greens, and radish slices. Top with roasted chickpeas and sliced avocado.
  8. Spoon the dressed citrus fennel salad over the bowl. Drizzle remaining dressing on top and garnish with fennel fronds or extra parsley.
  9. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch and vibrant flavors.

Notes

Pat chickpeas dry thoroughly before roasting for best crispiness. Slice fennel thinly for optimal crunch. Use fresh citrus segments for best flavor. Dress salad lightly to avoid sogginess. Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Components can be prepped ahead but assemble just before serving for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: New Year’s Eve snacks, citrus fennel salad, roasted chickpeas, quinoa bowl, healthy snack, gluten-free, vegan option, easy snack bowl