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Shaved Fennel Salad Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

This shaved fennel salad is a crunchy, bright, and refreshing dish perfect as a light appetizer or a crisp side salad. It features thinly sliced fennel bulbs tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, complemented by the nuttiness of toasted pine nuts or almonds, fresh herbs, and shaved Parmesan or pecorino cheese. Simple yet sophisticated, this salad can be easily enhanced with add-ins like orange segments, thinly sliced apples, or fresh mint for extra layers of flavor.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 medium fennel bulbs, thinly sliced on a mandoline
  • 2 tablespoons fennel fronds, chopped
  • ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan or pecorino cheese
  • ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Dressing Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper until fully combined and emulsified.
  2. Toss the fennel: Add the thinly sliced fennel bulbs to the dressing in the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure each slice is well coated with the flavorful vinaigrette.
  3. Add garnishes: Incorporate the chopped fennel fronds, shaved Parmesan or pecorino cheese, toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds, and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl. Gently toss to distribute all ingredients evenly throughout the salad.
  4. Season and serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch and vibrant flavors, or chill briefly for a cold salad.

Notes

  • This salad is best served fresh to maintain its crunchy texture.
  • Mandoline slicer is recommended for uniformly thin fennel slices.
  • Add-ins like orange segments, thinly sliced apples, or fresh mint can enhance flavor and texture.
  • Use toasted pine nuts or almonds to add a nutty crunch; ensure nuts are cooled before adding.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day but may lose crispness.