Apple Fennel Salad with Walnuts Recipe
Introduction
This Apple Fennel Salad with Walnuts is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines crisp apples, crunchy fennel, and nutty walnuts. Lightly dressed with a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette, it’s perfect as a refreshing side or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples and fennel.
- Step 2: Add the chopped walnuts to the bowl.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 4: Drizzle the dressing over the apple and fennel mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and crunch.
Tips & Variations
- For extra sweetness, try adding a handful of dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor and color contrast.
- If fennel’s flavor is too strong, try soaking the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before mixing.
Storage
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The apples and fennel may lose some crispness over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, toss briefly before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
This salad is best served fresh to maintain crunch. If you do prepare it ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Can I use different nuts or fruit in this salad?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even toasted sunflower seeds work well, and pears make a great substitute or addition to apples for a slightly different flavor.
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Apple Fennel Salad with Walnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Fennel Salad with Walnuts is a crisp, refreshing, and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or side. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy fennel, and toasted walnuts is brightened with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the produce: Thinly slice the apples and fennel bulb using a sharp knife or mandoline to ensure even, crisp slices.
- Combine salad ingredients: Place the sliced apples and fennel into a large bowl. Add the chopped walnuts to the bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the apple, fennel, and walnut mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to retain its fresh crispness and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For best taste and texture, use crisp apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
- To add extra crunch and flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before adding to the salad.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours if necessary.
- For a vegan and vegetarian-friendly dish, this recipe contains no animal products.
- Adjust lemon juice and salt to taste for preferred acidity and seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple fennel salad, walnut salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, easy salad, no-cook salad, light lunch, autumn salad
