Shaved Fennel & Rocket Salad Recipe
Introduction
This shaved fennel and rocket salad is a fresh, crisp side dish with a light lemony tang and a subtle anise flavor from the fennel. It’s quick to prepare and makes a bright addition to any meal, especially in warmer months.
Ingredients
- 1 fennel bulb
- ½ tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 50g rocket
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the fronds from the fennel bulb and set them aside. Trim away any tough stalks, then thinly slice the bulb using a sharp knife or a mandoline for the best results.
- Step 2: Place the fennel slices in a bowl. Add a large pinch of salt, the fennel seeds if using, and the lemon juice. Using your hands, gently scrunch the mixture to help soften the fennel and release the flavors.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and let it stand at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. For a cooler salad, you can chill it for up to a few hours before serving.
- Step 4: Just before serving, drizzle the pickled fennel with olive oil. Toss in the rocket leaves and reserved fennel fronds, mixing gently to combine.
- Step 5: Serve the salad directly from the bowl or pile it onto plates for an attractive presentation.
Tips & Variations
- For added crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the salad.
- If you like a little sweetness, add thin slices of green apple or pear to complement the fennel’s flavor.
- Swap the rocket with arugula or baby spinach for a milder green.
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the brightest flavor.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The fennel may soften further as it sits, so enjoy it within a day for the best texture. If the salad has been chilled, let it come to room temperature before serving or add a little extra olive oil to refresh the flavors.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the fennel slices and marinate them ahead of time. Just add the rocket and olive oil just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
What if I don’t have a mandoline to slice the fennel thinly?
You can use a very sharp knife to slice the fennel as thin as possible. While it may take a bit more time, thin slices are key to getting the right texture and flavor infusion.
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Shaved Fennel & Rocket Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus optional chilling time up to 2 hours)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh and vibrant shaved fennel and rocket salad featuring thinly sliced fennel bulb marinated with lemon juice and fennel seeds, tossed with peppery rocket leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfect as a light side dish or a refreshing starter.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 fennel bulb
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 50g rocket (arugula)
Instructions
- Prepare the fennel: Remove the fronds from the fennel bulb and set them aside for later use. Cut away any tough stalks from the bulb. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the fennel bulb into fine pieces.
- Marinate the fennel slices: Place the sliced fennel in a bowl. Add a large pinch of salt, the fennel seeds if using, and the lemon juice. Using your hands, scrunch the mixture together gently to combine and help the flavors meld.
- Let the fennel rest: Cover the bowl and allow the fennel to stand at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Alternatively, chill the fennel for up to a few hours to enhance the pickling effect and deepen the flavors.
- Assemble the salad: Drizzle the pickled fennel with olive oil. Add the rocket leaves and the reserved fennel fronds. Toss everything gently to ensure the oil coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the salad directly from the bowl or pile it onto individual plates as a fresh and crisp starter or side dish.
Notes
- Using a mandoline for slicing fennel ensures very thin, even slices which improve the texture of the salad.
- The fennel seeds are optional but add extra anise-like flavor.
- Allowing the fennel to rest in lemon juice and salt mellows out its crispness and enhances flavor.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to a few hours before serving.
- For a dairy-free and vegan option, this salad is naturally suitable without modifications.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: shaved fennel salad, rocket salad, fennel and arugula, lemon fennel salad, no-cook salad, light salad
