Description
A light and refreshing shaved fennel and rocket salad featuring thinly sliced fennel bulb marinated in lemon juice and fennel seeds, tossed with peppery rocket leaves and dressed with olive oil. Perfect as a crisp side dish or a palate-cleansing starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 fennel bulb
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 50g rocket
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep the Fennel: Remove the fronds from the fennel bulb and set them aside for later. Trim and discard any tough stalks to ensure tender slices.
- Slice the Bulb: Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the fennel bulb into delicate shavings and place them in a bowl.
- Marinate the Fennel: Sprinkle a large pinch of salt and the fennel seeds (if using) over the sliced fennel. Add the juice of half a lemon, then use your hands to scrunch and mix the ingredients thoroughly to release flavors.
- Rest the Salad: Cover the bowl and allow the fennel to marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. For more intense flavor, chill in the refrigerator for up to a few hours.
- Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the marinated fennel with olive oil, then toss in the rocket leaves and reserved fennel fronds to combine evenly.
- Serve: Serve the salad directly from the bowl or arrange it artistically on plates for a fresh, crunchy appetizer or side.
Notes
- Using a mandoline ensures uniform thin slices for the fennel, enhancing texture.
- Allowing the fennel to marinate softens its flavor and adds brightness from the lemon juice.
- Fennel seeds add an extra layer of anise flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Serve immediately after tossing with rocket to maintain leaf crispness.
- Optional addition: sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper or shaved Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: shaved fennel salad, rocket salad, fresh fennel recipe, Mediterranean salad, no-cook salad, healthy side dish
