When the scorching heat is upon us, there’s nothing more delightful than a cool, no-cook side dish that comes together effortlessly. Let me introduce you to the marvelous world of shaved fennel salad – a medley of thinly sliced radish, cucumber, apple, and fennel that marinate together to create an extraordinary burst of flavors.
Now, if you’ve ever found fennel seeds a tad overwhelming, fret not! The vegetable part of fennel possesses a much gentler taste and a delightful texture reminiscent of celery, but with an intriguing twist. Imagine if celery decided to embrace its more captivating side – that’s precisely what fennel brings to the table.
To elevate the taste even further, we’ll be preserving some fennel fronds, resembling dill but with a pleasant sweetness that beautifully enhances the crispness of this salad.
Wondering about the “shaved” part in the name? Ideally, a mandoline is used to achieve those paper-thin slices that truly elevate the experience. However, fear not, as you can achieve similar results with a sharp knife by ensuring all your fruits and veggies are uniformly thin.
As for the dressing, simplicity reigns supreme – a delightful combination of lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of sugar creates a light and zesty flavor profile. If you prefer a bolder dressing, don’t hesitate to switch out the sugar for some honey.
This salad is all about letting each ingredient shine, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will elevate any meal in a special way. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the recipe!
Recipe:
Serves: 8-10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 53
Allergens: Citrus
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Ingredients:
– 1 large fennel bulb (don’t forget to reserve the fronds!)
– 1 medium Honeycrisp apple
– 2 lemons
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
– 2 radishes, finely sliced
Preparation:
1. Start by zesting one of the lemons. Next, use a mandoline or a sharp knife to create thin slices of both the fennel and apple. Toss them gently with the juice of one lemon to prevent browning and infuse the flavors.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the juice from the second lemon, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper to create a delectable dressing.
3. Combine the lemon zest, cucumber, and radishes with the fennel, and then pour the dressing over the salad. Give it all a gentle toss to ensure every part of the salad is coated in the delicious dressing. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
4. To add a final touch of finesse, garnish the salad with chopped fennel fronds, and voilà! Your refreshing shaved fennel salad is ready to dazzle your taste buds.
In mere minutes, this extraordinary side dish will make your meals come alive with its vibrant flavors and refreshing appeal. So go ahead and embrace the simplicity of tossing together these delightful ingredients, and watch the magic unfold before your eyes. Enjoy the culinary adventure!
