Spinach and apples are a popular combination for fall and winter salads and this classic duo gets elevated with the addition of thinly sliced fennel. Crisp celery, crunchy pecans and a drizzle of a simple citrus viniagrette make this salad something special. Perfect as a light lunch or as part of a holiday dinner my Fennel and Apple Salad with Pecans is unique and delcious.
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Popular in Italy and the Mediterranean fennel is a versatile vegetable with a mild anise flavor that can be enjoyed raw, sauteed, braised or roasted. Fennel has a layered bulb sporting several stalks topped with wispy fronds and you can utilize all parts of this vegetable.(Check out this video for a great tutorial on how to cut a fennel bulb).
Ingredients for Fennel Apple Salad
- 4 cups spinach
- 2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1 large apple, seeded and thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 2 tbs fennel fronds, chopped
For the dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
How to Make Fennel and Apple Salad
After you slice the fennel, apple and celery this is an easy salad to prepare.In a large bowl combine spinach, fennel, apple, celery, pecans and fennel fronds. To create the dressing whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl until fully incorporated.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss the salad to ensure it’s evenly dressed. Serve as desired.
Tips for Making the best Fennel Salad
- A mandoline is the best tool for getting thinly sliced fennel but if you don’t have one a good chef’s knife will do the trick.
- Instead of spinach you can also use arugula or kale.
- Swap out the apples for pears or oranges
- This salad is best served immediately as it may get soggy if left to sit for too long.
What to Serve with Fennel and Apple Salad
This salad is a great stand alone salad for a light lunch or dinner or you can add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to make it more of an entree. This salad is a great compliment to my Maple Mustard Turkey Tenderloin, Garlic Herb Lamb Chops, or Crispy Pan Roasted Chicken Thighs. This salad is also a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving.
If you like this Fennel and Apple Salad with Pecans be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
Easy Mediterranean White Bean Salad
Cucumber Gazpacho with Avocado
If you make this Fennel and Apple Salad with Pecans please comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Youtube, Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Fennel and Apple Salad with Pecans
Ingredients
- 4 cups spinach
- 2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1 large apple, seeded and thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 2 tbs fennel fronds, chopped
For the dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine spinach, fennel, apple, celery, pecans and fennel fronds.
- In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt and pepper until fully incorporated.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss the salad to ensure it's evenly dressed. Serve as desired.
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Jamie says
This is my kind of meal, it’s light and very healthy that everyone will gonna love and enjoy eating! The color combination it gives makes it so enticing! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Amy Liu Dong says
It looks amazing! Loe these green veggies! It looks really healthy!