Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fennel Salad with Apples & Radishes is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The fennel provides a mild, anise-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the peppery bite of radishes and the sweet crispness of apples. The tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, making this salad the perfect choice for a light lunch, side dish, or even a palate cleanser for a heavier meal. It’s also an easy-to-make dish, with minimal prep time and ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 2 medium apples (preferably a crisp variety like Fuji or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
• 4-5 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Begin by trimming the fennel bulb. Remove any tough outer layers and slice it thinly. Place the fennel slices in a large bowl.
2. Core and thinly slice the apples. Add the apple slices to the bowl with fennel.
3. Thinly slice the radishes and add them to the bowl as well.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the fennel, apples, and radishes, and toss the salad gently to combine.
6. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad just before serving.
7. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for a chilled, refreshing option.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: For a more filling meal, top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese can add a creamy contrast to the crisp vegetables.
• Nuts and seeds: Sprinkle toasted walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
• Citrus twist: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the vinaigrette to bring out the freshness.
• Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as dill or mint, for a new twist on the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. If you’re making it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy. Avoid reheating this salad, as it is meant to be served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them separately. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to avoid wilting the vegetables.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Fennel Salad with Apples & Radishes is vegetarian-friendly. For a vegan version, ensure the dressing is made without honey and is dairy-free.

Can I use other fruits in this salad?

Absolutely! Pears, oranges, or pomegranate seeds can be swapped for apples to add different flavors and textures.

How do I store leftover fennel salad?

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Keep the dressing separate if possible to preserve the freshness of the vegetables.

Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes! Crumbled goat cheese, feta, or shaved Parmesan would make delicious additions, offering a creamy contrast to the crispness of the salad.

What other vegetables can I add to this salad?

You can add other crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumber, or celery for additional texture and flavor.

How do I slice fennel properly for a salad?

Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the fennel, ensuring it’s cut into uniform pieces for a consistent texture in each bite.

Can I use a pre-made vinaigrette for this salad?

Yes, you can use a store-bought vinaigrette if you’re short on time, but homemade dressing will give you more control over the flavors.

What is the best type of apple to use for this salad?

Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are great choices, as they maintain their texture and balance the flavors of the salad.

How can I make the salad spicier?

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or include a small amount of fresh chili slices in the salad.

Conclusion

Fennel Salad with Apples & Radishes is a light, crunchy, and refreshing dish that combines unique flavors in a simple yet delicious way. Perfect for a healthy lunch or as a side dish to complement your main course, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with vibrant colors and flavors. Its versatility means you can adjust it to your taste, making it a go-to salad for any occasion.

Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes

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Fennel Salad with Apples & Radishes is a refreshing and crisp dish that combines the mild flavor of fennel, the peppery sharpness of radishes, and the sweetness of apples, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. This vibrant salad is perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or palate cleanser.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: undefined
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
2. 2 medium apples (preferably a crisp variety like Fuji or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
3. 4–5 radishes, thinly sliced
4. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
5. 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
7. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
8. 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
9. Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the fennel: Trim and slice the fennel bulb into thin slices. Place them in a large bowl.

1. Prepare the apples: Core and thinly slice the apples. Add them to the bowl with fennel.
2. Prepare the radishes: Slice the radishes and add them to the bowl.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the fennel, apples, and radishes. Toss gently to combine.
5. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad just before serving.
6. Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for a chilled, refreshing option.

Notes

1. For a more filling salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu on top.
2. Crumbled goat cheese or feta adds a creamy contrast to the crunchy vegetables.
3. Feel free to swap apples for pears, oranges, or pomegranate seeds for different flavors.
4. For a citrus twist, add a little lemon or orange zest to the vinaigrette.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg