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
Scale
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
