Fennel salad—oh, it’s like capturing the crisp essence of a sunny afternoon in a bowl. Its anise-like aroma reminds me of those playful breezes in Tuscany, where time slows, and everything seems a bit more vibrant. So, if you’re tired of the same old greens, why not give this a whirl?
Steps
- Thinly slice the fennel bulbs as finely as possible, ideally using a mandoline slicer for uniform paper-thin slices. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a sharp knife to carefully slice the fennel.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is well blended.
- Place the sliced fennel into the bowl containing the dressing and toss gently to ensure the fennel is evenly coated. Add a few tablespoons of chopped fennel fronds, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and chopped parsley.
- Mix the salad gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 medium fennel bulbs, with fronds if possible
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice and zest
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Parmesan cheese or Pecorino
- Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
- Fresh parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
FAQ
- What are the key ingredients needed for the shaved fennel salad?
- To make the shaved fennel salad, you’ll need medium fennel bulbs with fronds, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice and zest, honey, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, fresh parsley, and salt and pepper.
- How should the fennel be sliced for this salad?
- The fennel should be sliced paper-thin to ensure it bends and softens in the salad. A mandoline slicer is recommended for achieving consistent, thin slices. If a mandoline isn’t available, a sharp knife can also be used.
- What are some variations or additions to the fennel salad?
- You can customize the salad by adding fresh fruit like orange or apple slices, herbs such as mint or dill, or swapping the nuts for toasted walnuts or pecans.
- What dishes pair well with fennel salad?
- This fennel salad is an ideal side dish for a variety of meals, particularly those with Italian flavors. It pairs well with vegetarian lasagna, Margherita pizza, mushroom risotto, and Fettuccine Alfredo.
- Are there any safety tips for using a mandoline slicer?
- When using a mandoline slicer, it’s important to be cautious of the sharp blade. Using a cut-resistant glove can help protect your hand from injuries.
Tips
- For perfectly thin fennel slices, use a mandoline slicer. It’s the best tool for achieving consistent, paper-thin slices. Just remember to use a cut-resistant glove for safety.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding segments of orange or grapefruit, or tossing in thin slices of apple for a sweet twist.
- If pine nuts are unavailable, try using sliced almonds or toasted walnuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Enhance the freshness of the salad by incorporating fresh herbs like mint or dill for an extra burst of flavor.
Equipment
- Mandoline slicer
- Cut-resistant gloves
