When you need a fresh side dish that’s got more attitude than greens alone, turn to this crunchy shaved fennel salad flavored with orange and fresh mint and studded with homemade croutons, pine nuts and Parmesan.
What goes with shaved fennel salad?
I developed this salad to be served alongside the delicious Sicilian Fish Stew, but it goes well with a variety of fish, seafood and meat.
Check out my Christmas Dinner Menu for an idea of what to serve this fennel salad with.
What type of dressing to use for shaved fennel salad?
Fennel is fairly bold in flavor which gives it the ability to stand up against other strong flavor players. The type of dressing you choose often depends on what your main dish is. Or maybe this is the main dish, in that case just choose whatever you like.
For a slaw-like salad, lightly dress thinly sliced fennel with an herbed buttermilk dressing—creamy and tangy! And for a more classic take, toss fennel with a citrus vinaigrette to create a bright, zesty salad that can cut through a savory main dish.
Shaved Fennel Salad
- Prep Time: 25 mintues
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings (8 cups) 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Cuisine: Salad
Description
This crunchy fennel salad is flavored with orange and fresh mint and studded with homemade croutons, pine nuts and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon minced orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 fennel bulbs, trimmed, fronds reserved
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups coarsely torn crusty, seedy bread (or baguette if serving with Sicilian Fish Stew)
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 cups baby kale
- ½ cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan
- ¼ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
Instructions
Heat oven to 400° with rack set in middle position.
Whisk together vinegar, garlic, zest, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Thinly slice fennel bulbs, about ⅛-inch thick, using a mandoline (or test your knife skills). Add fennel slices to vinegar mixture and toss to combine; season with salt and pepper and let sit at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.
Toss bread with 2 teaspoons oil on a baking sheet until coated; season with salt and pepper. Bake bread until toasted and golden brown, 8–10 minute.
Add toasted bread, remaining tablespoon oil, kale, mint, Parmesan, and pine nuts to fennel and toss to combine. Season salad with salt and pepper and serve.
Notes
Equipment you’ll need:
- Mandoline (optional, but makes easy work of slicing fennel)
- Small baking sheet
Yum
I can’t wait to try this salad. I am going to save this for when I’m desperate for some freshness this winter. 🙂
Hi Libby! Good idea, this will definitely brighten a winter day! 🙂