Tangy Apple Fennel Salad
This salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The apples provide a sweet and tart flavor, while the fennel adds a slightly bitter and anise-flavored note. The walnuts add a crunchy texture and the parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor. The dressing is made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup, and it is what brings all the flavors together. This salad can easily be customized to your liking—you can add other fruits and vegetables, such as pears, celery, or carrots, or you can swap out the walnuts for another type of nut, such as almonds or pecans.
I first had this salad at a restaurant in New York City, and I was immediately hooked. I loved how the sweet and sour flavors of the apples and fennel played off each other, and the crunchy walnuts added a nice textural contrast. I asked the chef for the recipe, and he was kind enough to share it with me. I've been making this salad ever since, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.
Tangy Apple Fennel Salad Tangy Apple Fennel Salad Tangy Apple Fennel Salad Tangy Apple Fennel Salad
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, fennel, parsley, and walnuts.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the apple-fennel mixture and toss to combine evenly.
  4. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Why It Works
  • The combination of apples and fennel is a classic pairing that works well in both sweet and savory dishes.
  • The walnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples and the bitterness of the fennel.
  • The dressing is made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup, which creates a flavorful and balanced dressing that complements the salad ingredients well.
  • Letting the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and develop.