Refresh your palate with this tart and crunchy salad that comes together in 15 minutes flat!
Just when I thought I had tried every possible salad mix, I discovered this fennel-apple salad recipe. This sweet, tangy, and super crunchy salad packs a punch of both flavor and nutrients. Crafted with all fresh and green ingredients, fennel-apple salad is ideal for both the lifelong salad-lover and someone who’s new to eating healthy.
I find this blend of aromatic fennel, crisp Granny Smith apples, and crunchy celery to be a perfect midday meal or appetizer. It acts like a palate cleanser that’s both refreshing and nourishing between heartier dishes. In just 15 minutes, this dish comes together to create a mouthwatering harmony of juicy, crunchy yumminess and earthy flavors.
Who needs the same old salads they’ve had a hundred times when this one is so flavorful and easy to make?
What does fennel taste like?
If you’ve never tried fennel, prepare yourself for a unique, taste bud-tingling experience! Fennel is a flowering plant from the carrot family, but it tastes nothing like carrots. It’s well known for its aromatic anise-like flavor, a pungent and slightly sweet taste that transforms any meal it’s added to. In my opinion, fennel is incredibly refreshing. I’ve used it in salads, soups, and even sandwiches. In this salad, it makes a delightful complement to tart green apple and zesty lemon.
How do I store leftovers?
Ideally, leftover salad mix and dressing should be stored separately so nothing gets soggy. Keep the dressing in an airtight glass container like a mason jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give it a good stir or shake to recombine before enjoying. The mixture of fennel, apples, and celery will maintain its texture and brightness in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. But if your fennel-apple salad is already assembled, you can still store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. The sooner you enjoy it, the fresher it will taste. When you serve it, feel free to add an extra splash of lemon juice if it needs a bit of freshening up. I do not recommend freezing this salad, as they will not be appetizing after the thawing process.
Serving suggestions
While fennel-apple salad is terrific on its own, I often like to pair it with Fried Tofu, this Baked Falafel Recipe, or these Air-Fryer Chicken Bites. I also favor it with a drizzle of Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce. Other lovely pairings include a Flatbread Pizza, Crock-Pot Sweet Potatoes, or Orange Rice. There are many ways to dress this salad up or down, depending on your preference.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 fennel bulb ends trimmed
- 3 Granny Smith apples cored
- 2 celery ribs
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing has emulsified.
- Thinly slice the fennel bulb, apple, and celery. Using a mandoline can help achieve even slices.
- Place the sliced fennel, apple, and celery in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until well coated. Optionally, sprinkle chopped walnuts overtop. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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