Fennel Salad
This crisp and refreshing Fennel Salad is a delightful blend of thinly sliced fennel, vibrant citrus, and crunchy nuts. Lightly dressed with a zesty vinaigrette, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures for a light lunch or a side dish. The natural sweetness of fennel paired with the tang of citrus and the crunch of toasted almonds makes this salad an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 Knife (for slicing fennel and citrus)
- 1 Mandoline (optional, for thin fennel slices)
- 1 Small skillet (for toasting nuts)
- 1 Salad bowl (large enough to mix ingredients)
- 1 Whisk (for mixing dressing)
- 1 Measuring spoon (for measuring dressing ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 bulb Fennel
- 2 cups Mixed Greens such as arugula, spinach, or lettuce
- 1 Orange peeled and segmented
- ¼ cup Walnuts or Almonds toasted
- ¼ cup Feta cheese or Parmesan crumbled or shaved
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the Fennel: Trim the fennel bulb, remove any tough outer layers, and slice it thinly using a knife or mandoline. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Greens: Wash and dry your mixed greens, then tear them into bite-sized pieces. Add to the fennel in the bowl.
- Segment the Orange: Peel and segment the orange, removing all pith. Cut the segments into smaller pieces if needed. Add them to the salad bowl.
- Toast the Nuts: In a small skillet, toast the walnuts or almonds over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the fennel and greens, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Finish with Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the toasted nuts and crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese over the salad. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the fennel, greens, and citrus in advance, but wait to add the dressing, nuts, and cheese until just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables like radishes or cucumber for extra crunch and flavor.
- Vegan Option: To make this salad vegan, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative like vegan feta.
- Dressing Variations: You can adjust the dressing by adding a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness or some balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor profile.