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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
