"Lady" Quick and Easy Fennel Apple Salad

Making a fennel and apple salad is the perfect way to enjoy the Taste of Fall. Fennel and apples are in season, so they're at their peak flavor. This salad is light, crunchy, and refreshing.

It's a great way to enjoy the taste of Fall, plus, it's super easy to make. So if you're looking for a delicious salad recipe, this is the one for you!

The fennel bulb is thinly sliced and combined with crisp apples, feta cheese, and a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice.

The result is a salad that is crunchy, juicy, and full of flavor. Fennel and apple are a classic combination, and this salad highlights the best of both ingredients. The fennel provides a slight aniseed flavor and a crunchy texture, while the apples add sweetness and juiciness.

This salad can be easily adapted to your taste by adding other fruits or nuts, or by changing the type of greens used. However you make it, this fennel apple salad is sure to please.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Fennel Apple Salad)

Fennel is not everybody's cup of tea. People either love it, acquire a taste for it, or just absolutely hate it. Uncooked it has that anise licorice-type flavor which is great in a dry spice rub, but not so much in its natural raw state. Paired with the right ingredients and it can be unforgettable.

Fennel also depends on how it's cooked/prepared. Roasted fennel is probably the most popular, but a simple shaved fennel salad works great as does one with pears and fennel combo.

Ingredients Needed To Make This Salad

For The Salad

• Fennel Bulbs (reserve fennel fronds for garnishing)
• Apples
• Feta cheese
• Nuts - peanuts, walnuts, pepita seeds, etc.

For The Vinaigrette

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Fresh Lime Juice (substitute lemon juice if needed)
• Lime Zest
• Fresh Herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, cilantro)
• Rice Wine Vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Fennel Apple Salad (step by step)

To make this fennel and apple salad, simply:

Prepare the Fennel

Trim the bottom and top off of the fennel bulbs. Cut the fennel in half, then slice thinly using a mandolin slicer or very sharp knife. Set aside in a large bowl.

Prepare the Apple

Cut the apples into thin slices. Add to the large bowl of sliced fennel.

Make The Vinaigrette

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, zest, fresh herbs, and rice wine vinegar. Mix well and set aside.

Finish the Salad

Toss the fennel and apple with the vinaigrette. Serve the salad topped with the feta cheese crumbles and nuts.

Garnish with fennel fronds

Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later. Enjoy!

Apple Fennel Salad Tips and Considerations

A mandolin slicer is a great tool to have on hand. It cuts down on prep time dramatically and produces consistent similar slices.

Fennel is a key ingredient in this salad for several reasons. First, it's in season during Fall. Second, it has a high water content, which makes it perfect for a light and refreshing salad. Third, it's packed with nutrients and antioxidants.

When choosing fennel for this recipe, look for bulbs that are firm and white. Avoid fennel that is yellow or brown, as this indicates that it is past its prime.

To prepare fennel, trim off the bottom and top of the bulb. Cut the fennel in half, remove the core, then slice it thinly.

When choosing apples, look for ones that are crisp and juicy. Avoid apples that are mushy or have brown spots. To prepare the apples, remove the core and then simply cut them into thin slices.

Olive oil has a mild flavor that won't overwhelm the other ingredients. When choosing olive oil, look for extra virgin olive oil that is cold-pressed and has a dark green color. Avocado oil is a good alternative given it pairs well with the other ingredients.

Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor to this salad. Choose herbs that are fragrant and have brightly colored leaves. Avoid herbs that are wilted or have brown spots. Use one or a combination of a few different ones. II used basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley.

I love using rice wine vinegar in my homemade vinaigrettes. It is a great choice for this recipe because it adds a subtle sweetness and acidity. Plus, it's gluten-free and vegan. Apple cider vinegar is good, but it's a little on the sweeter side.

Nuts are a great way to add texture and flavor to this salad. Walnuts are commonly used in salads particularly most fennel salad recipes. if using walnuts, I recommend toasted walnuts for additional character.

I didn't have any walnuts on hand and they're actually kinda expensive. But I did have some tajin seasoned peanuts on hand which worked great.

I grow limes so used lime juice, but feel free to use fresh lemon juice combined with lemon zest.

I like to allow the fennel slices marinate in the vinaigrette a few minutes for a few minutes before serving. The acidity from the vinegar and lime juice mellows that strong fennel taste. Don't let it sit too long though as you'll lose that perfect crunch as the fennel gets a bit mushy.

Goat cheese is a good substitute for the feta.

This is a pretty versatile salad. You can add salad greens for a change-up or add grilled chicken or seafood to make this more of a main dish salad.

Serve this salad with grilled red snapper, brown stew chicken, blackened chicken, or fried pork steak.

Fennel Salad Frequently Asked Quests (FAQs)

What are the best apples to use in this salad recipe?

I love apples, but my favorites are granny smith and honey crisp. Any crispy tart apple works well.

Can I make this apple fennel salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. I prefer not to toss the salad in the vinaigrette though, as the acidity will break down the salad too much.

How Do You Shave Fennel?

Use a good knife or better yet a mandolin slicer!!! It is the easiest way. It's got simple settings for you to slice to different levels of thinness. I use mine for different recipes and situations but get a lot of use out of it. It's a major time savor!

Can You Eat Fennel Raw?

Yes, but it has a strong anise taste so unless that's your thing i don't recommend it. Acidic vinaigrettes break down the fennel and mellows it out essentially "cooking it" in the same way citrus is used to make ceviche.

For Other Simple Salads Check Out These Recipes:

Black Eyed Pea Salad

Cherry Tomato and Fresh Peaches Salad

Lima Bean Salad

Smashed Cucumber Salad

Watermelon Salad

Cuban Avocado Salad

Smoked Tomatoes Salad

Smoked Salmon Salad

Wedge Salad w/ Pomegranate Glaze

Making This Easy Fennel Apple Salad Recipe

If you make this easy fennel and apple salad, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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