Fennel Apple Salad Recipe

OMG, this fennel and apple salad is like a burst of freshness and crunch in every bite—totally perfect for a light lunch! The combo of lemon dressing, toasted nuts, and Parmesan is a total winner, and letting the flavors meld for 10 minutes is absolutely key for that delicious harmony.

The way the fresh apple’s crisp sweetness complements the faint flavor of anise that fennel lends is perfect. That makes this really a simple salad, as that’s basically what it is—a combination of really good ingredients that was put together clearly and without fuss.

The dressing is straightforward but strikes a perfect balance between tart and sweet. The lemon juice is tart but not overwhelmingly so.

And honey and extra-virgin olive oil work beautifully together in this context as a dressing.

Fennel Apple Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Fennel: Rich in fiber, aids digestion, subtly sweet flavor, contains antioxidants.
• Apples: High in fiber and vitamin C, adds a crisp, sweet-tart taste.
• Lemon juice: Packed with vitamin C, provides a bright, tangy freshness.
• Olive oil: Heart-healthy fats, offers a smooth texture and mild flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener, balances acidity, contains antioxidants.

Fennel Apple Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 2 crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1 tablespoon fennel fronds, chopped

How to Make this Fennel Apple Salad Recipe

1. In a wide mixing bowl, add the fennel bulbs, cut into 1/8-inch slices, and the apples. Toss to mix.

2. In a small bowl, blend the lemon juice, olive oil, and honey together until they are good and mixed. They should be combined well. This is your dressing. Now, taste it. Really. Taste it. If you want to add salt and pepper, go ahead and do it. And if it tastes too acidic, add some more honey.

3. Drizzle the dressing onto the fennel and apple mixture and toss gently to coat.

4. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste to the salad.

5. Add the fresh parsley, chopped, to the bowl and toss gently to incorporate.

6. Scatter the toasted walnuts or pecans across the salad.

7. Mix in the shaved Parmesan cheese gently, making sure it is evenly distributed.

8. If you are using fennel fronds, you should dice them and use them as a flavor enhancer and garnish for your salad.

9. Allow the flavors to meld by letting the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

10. Serve the salad right away, or chill it for up to an hour before serving for a crisp, refreshing taste.

Fennel Apple Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Wide mixing bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Whisk or fork
8. Spoon or tongs for tossing
9. Microplane or vegetable peeler (for shaving Parmesan)

FAQ

• Can I prepare this salad in advance?Certainly, you are able to make the salad a few hours ahead of time. Place it in the fridge and fold in the nuts and Parmesan right before serving to ensure they retain their firmness.
• What type of apples are best for this salad?Varieties that are crisp, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, are recommended for their tartness and crunch, which makes them nice companions for fennel.
• How do I prevent the apples from browning?Immediately after slicing, mix the apple wedges with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown and to make sure they stay fresh.
• Can I substitute the walnuts or pecans?Certainly, almonds and pine nuts can be substituted for the nuts called for in this recipe, or they can be left out altogether, if you prefer.
  
• Is there a vegan version of this salad?To make this dish suitable for vegans, you can do one of two things: omit the Parmesan cheese altogether or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Both methods ensure the recipe remains vegan-friendly.
• What can I use instead of honey?You can use maple syrup or agave nectar if you’re looking for a plant-based substitute for honey.
• How do I thinly slice the fennel and apples?The best way to achieve thin, even slices is with a mandoline slicer. But if you don’t have one, you can still achieve similar results with a sharp knife. Just be careful, and try to keep your hands out of the path of the knife and its blade.

Fennel Apple Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Fennel bulb: For a different crunch and flavor, try substituting the fennel with thinly sliced celery.
Pears: For a sweeter, softer substitute, try using pears.
Avocado oil can replace extra-virgin olive oil, in which case you would use the same amount and get a flavor that’s more on the side of mild and nutty.
Honey: A good vegan alternative for sweetness is maple syrup.
Parmesan cheese: A similar savory taste can be found in Pecorino Romano.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart and crispy apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the flavors. Slice them just before use to prevent browning.