Description
A refreshing and crisp fennel salad featuring thinly sliced fennel and red onion, dressed with a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Fennel Salad Ingredients
- 1 medium fennel bulb (or 2 baby fennels), stalks removed, fronds reserved
- 1/2 red onion, shaved or finely sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, separated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fennel fronds, reserved from the stalks
Instructions
- Prepare the fennel and onion: Cut the stalks off the fennel bulb and save the fronds for garnish. Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, shave the fennel bulb and red onion into thin slices to ensure a crisp texture.
- Make the dressing and toss: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced fennel and onion with lemon juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well to evenly coat the vegetables with the dressing.
- Plate the salad: Spread the dressed fennel and onion mixture flat on a serving plate in a “carpaccio” style, which means thin and evenly spread out over the plate.
- Add finishing touches: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the salad, then generously sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Finally, garnish with the reserved fennel fronds for an aromatic and colorful finish.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy this salad fresh to maintain its crispness and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Use a mandolin for uniformly thin slices to enhance texture and presentation.
- To make this salad vegan, omit the Parmesan or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- The salad is best served fresh to preserve the crunchiness of fennel and onion.
- Adjust the salt and lemon juice according to taste preferences.
- Leftover dressing can be used on other salads or as a marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Fennel salad, lemon dressing, Parmesan, Mediterranean salad, fresh salad, no-cook salad
