Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a salad that's not just a side dish, but a flavor explosion waiting to happen! This Fennel Pickled Onion Apple Salad is the perfect blend of crisp, tangy, and refreshing—a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet lunch, this recipe promises to elevate your salad game with its stunning combination of textures and vibrant flavors.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by washing the fennel bulb and red onion thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the fennel bulb, discarding the tough core and keeping the delicate fronds for garnish.
- Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons, ensuring the slices are uniform and delicate.
- Core the apple and slice it into thin, uniform pieces. To prevent browning, you can toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create a quick pickling liquid.
- Add the sliced red onion to the vinegar mixture and let it sit for 5-7 minutes to slightly pickle and soften the onions.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the thinly sliced fennel and apple slices.
- Drain the pickled onions from the liquid and add them to the fennel and apple mixture.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Optional: Garnish with reserved fennel fronds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing and crisp salad experience.
Tips
- Slice Uniformly: Use a sharp mandoline or a very sharp knife to ensure all ingredients are cut to the same thickness. This guarantees a consistent texture and even flavor distribution.
- Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain their fresh, crisp appearance.
- Pickling Hack: Let the red onions sit in the vinegar mixture for exactly 5-7 minutes to achieve the perfect balance of softness and tanginess without becoming too acidic.
- Serve Smart: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Prepare just before serving to maintain the crispness of the fennel and apple.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch, or sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy contrast.
- Chilling Tip: If you prefer a cold salad, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
