Gourmet Fennel Apple Salad

This good-looking fennel apple salad is a simple recipe to make at home that is worthy of a place on any restaurant menu.

Bursting with fresh aniseed flavors from the fennel and sweet tones from the apple to tickle the taste buds.

Whip up this salad the next time you host a summer or fall lunch for friends or have it all to yourself as a tasty lunch.

Here’s how to put together this pretty salad.

Why you’ll love this gourmet fennel apple salad

• Refreshing and Light: Fennel and apple salad is a refreshing and light salad that is perfect for a warm summer day or as a side dish with a heavier meal.
• Crunchy Texture: The combination of thinly sliced fennel and apple creates a crunchy and refreshing texture that adds a satisfying crunch to the salad.
• Sweet and Savory Flavors: The sweetness of the apple pairs perfectly with the slightly licorice flavor of the fennel, creating a balanced sweet and savory taste.
• Nutritious: Both fennel and apples are packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fennel is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Easy to Make: Fennel and apple salad is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Simply slice the fennel and apple, mix the dressing, and toss everything together.
• Versatile: Fennel and apple salad is versatile and can be customized with other ingredients such as nuts or dried fruit to make it more filling and interesting.

Looking for More Salad Recipes? Here are some of my favorites:

• Quinoa Tabbouleh
• Tahini Salad Dressing
• Pear Pecan Green Salad
• Easy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Citrus Salad with Pomegranate Dressing
• Plant-Based & Vegan Ranch Dressing
• Summer Fruit Salad with a Lime Mint Dressing

Ingredients and substitution notes 

Here are some notes about the ingredients in this recipe:

• Apple: Choose a crisp and juicy apple, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala, to add sweetness and texture to the salad. You can also substitute with a pear or another fruit with a similar texture.
• Fennel: Use fresh fennel bulb for a crisp and refreshing flavor. If you don’t have fennel, you can substitute with celery or jicama for a similar crunch.
• Fresh greens: Use any kind of fresh greens, such as arugula, spinach, kale, or mixed greens, to add a nutrient-rich base to the salad. You can also use herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Oil: Use a high-quality oil, such as extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil, to dress the salad. You can also use other oils, such as walnut oil or sesame oil, for a nutty flavor.
• Salt: Use a high-quality sea salt or kosher salt to enhance the flavors of the salad. You can also use other seasonings, such as garlic powder, to add more depth of flavor

Recipe variations and add-ins

• Citrus Fennel and Apple Salad: Add segments of oranges or grapefruit to the salad to add a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Cranberry Fennel and Apple Salad: Add dried cranberries to the salad for a sweet and chewy texture.
• Pomegranate Fennel and Apple Salad: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the top of the salad for a juicy burst of flavor.
• Radish Fennel and Apple Salad: Slice some radishes thinly and toss them into the salad for a spicy crunch.
• Toasted Almond Fennel and Apple Salad: Toast some almonds and sprinkle them over the top of the salad for a nutty and crunchy addition.
• Beet Fennel and Apple Salad: Add roasted beets to the salad for a sweet and earthy flavor.

Top tips

This is a super simple salad to make but here’s how to get it close to perfect:

• Choose fresh ingredients: Use fresh, crisp apples and fennel bulbs to make the salad. Fresh ingredients will have better texture and flavor, which will elevate the overall taste of the salad.
• Slice the ingredients thinly: Slice the apples and fennel bulbs thinly, as this will make it easier to combine the flavors and create a more cohesive salad.
• Use a mandoline or sharp knife: A mandoline or sharp knife will make it easier to slice the ingredients thinly and evenly. Make sure to use a guard when using a mandoline to avoid injury.
• Dress the salad just before serving: The salad can become watery if dressed too far in advance. To avoid this, dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
• Serve at room temperature: Serve the salad at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together and to let the salad reach its full potential.

Make ahead of instructions and storage

Slice the fennel and apples and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also wash and dry the greens and store them in a separate container.

Mix the dressing ingredients together in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator.

Store the fennel apple salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

If you’re storing the salad with the dressing, make sure to keep it separate and add it just before serving. The dressing can make the salad soggy if left on for too long.

Give the salad a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ensure all the ingredients are coated.

Gourmet Fennel Apple Salad Serving suggestions 

1. As a side dish: Fennel and apple salad makes a great side dish for roasted vegetables. It pairs well with dishes that have bold and savory flavors.
2. On a bed of greens: You can serve the fennel and apple salad on a bed of fresh greens, such as arugula or mixed greens, to add more texture and nutrition to the dish.
3. In a wrap: Use the fennel and apple salad as a filling for a wrap or sandwich. It makes a refreshing and healthy alternative to traditional sandwich fillings.
4. At a potluck or picnic: Fennel and apple salad is a great dish to bring to a potluck or picnic. It’s easy to transport and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient and tasty addition to any gathering.
5. With a side of bread: Serve the fennel and apple salad with a side of crusty bread or crostini to add some extra crunch and texture.

FAQs

 Can I use a different type of apple in this salad?

Yes, you can use a different type of apple in this salad. While the recipe calls for Honeycrisp apples, which have a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the fennel, you can use any type of apple you prefer. 

For example, you can use Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor or Pink Lady apples for a slightly tart and sweet flavor. Just keep in mind that different types of apples may have different textures and sweetness levels, so adjust the amount of salt and dressing to taste.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. The fennel and apple salad can be prepped a day in advance by slicing the fennel and apples and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. 

When ready to serve, simply toss the prepped ingredients together in a bowl and drizzle with the dressing. However, if you plan to make the salad ahead of time, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Watch My Gourmet Fennel Apple Salad Recipe Video:

Wrapping it up

I love the grown-up flavors in this healthy and zingy salad. Impress your guests and family with this salad recipe at your next luncheon or dinner party.

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