Shaved Fennel and Rocket Salad Recipe

Introduction

This shaved fennel and rocket salad is a bright, refreshing side dish that balances crisp, anise-flavored fennel with peppery rocket leaves. Lightly pickled and dressed with lemon and olive oil, it makes a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a simple lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 fennel bulb
• 1⁄2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
• 1⁄2 lemon, juiced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 50g rocket

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the fronds from the fennel bulb and set them aside. Trim away any tough stalks, then thinly slice the bulb using a sharp knife or a mandoline for even, delicate slices.
2. Step 2: 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, gently scrunch the mixture to combine, then cover and let it stand at room temperature for at least 10 minutes or refrigerate for up to a few hours to develop flavor.
3. Step 3: When ready to serve, drizzle the pickled fennel with olive oil. Add the rocket and reserved fennel fronds, then toss everything together.
4. Step 4: Serve the salad directly from the bowl or arrange it on plates for a beautiful presentation.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or walnuts just before serving.
• Swap rocket for arugula or baby spinach for a milder leafy green.
• If you prefer a sweeter note, add a drizzle of honey to the dressing.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The fennel may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sliced fennel with lemon juice and salt a few hours ahead or the day before and keep it chilled. Add the rocket and fronds just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

What can I use if I don’t have fennel seeds?

If you don’t have fennel seeds, you can omit them or substitute a pinch of anise seed or caraway seeds for a similar flavor, though the salad is delicious even without them.

Shaved Fennel and Rocket Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 147 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 10-20 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: Serves 2-3 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant shaved fennel and rocket salad that combines crisp, thinly sliced fennel with peppery rocket, enhanced by a lemony, slightly pickled dressing with optional fennel seeds for added flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 1 fennel bulb
• 50g rocket
• Fennel fronds from the bulb (reserved)

Dressing

• 1⁄2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
• 1⁄2 lemon, juiced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Large pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the fennel: Remove the fronds from the fennel bulb and set them aside for later use. Trim away any tough stalks from the bulb to ensure tenderness. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the fennel bulb into delicate shavings to create the base of your salad.
2. Marinate the fennel slices: Place the sliced fennel into a bowl and sprinkle with a large pinch of salt and the optional fennel seeds. Add the juice of half a lemon. Using your hands, gently scrunch and mix these ingredients together to start the marinating process. Cover the bowl and leave the mixture to stand at room temperature for at least 10 minutes; alternatively, you can chill it for up to a few hours to deepen the flavors.
3. Assemble the salad: Just before serving, drizzle the marinated fennel with the olive oil to add richness and balance. Toss in the fresh rocket leaves along with the reserved fennel fronds, mixing gently but thoroughly to combine all elements evenly.
4. Serve: Present the salad directly from the bowl or arrange it on individual plates for a fresh, crisp side dish or light starter. Enjoy the bright flavors and crunchy textures.

Notes

• Using a mandoline ensures uniformly thin slices of fennel, enhancing texture and flavor absorption.
• The optional fennel seeds add an extra layer of anise flavor; omit if you prefer a milder taste.
• Marinating the fennel softens its crunch slightly and mellows its natural licorice flavor.
• This salad pairs well with grilled fish or roasted meats for a fresh contrast.
• To store, keep the salad covered in the refrigerator and consume within a day for optimal freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: shaved fennel salad, rocket salad, fennel seeds, lemon dressing, Mediterranean salad, no-cook salad