There are a million creative and innovative ways to prepare fennel. It can be grilled, roasted, braised, sautéed, added to soups and stews, and still my favorite way is to use fennel in salads. The crisp crunch of raw fennel with a very subtle anise flavor is beautiful and provides a worthy foundation for an out of the ordinary salad.
In this easy to prepare salad, fennel is paired up with citrus and roasted pistachios with a pop of cracked black pepper that you can feel on your tongue without being the slightest bit overwhelming. The light vinagrette is used to toss the ingredients in a mariage of flavors and textures.
Next time you are moving through your Farmer’s Market, the produce section of your grocery aisle or thinking about what to plant in your garden- Don’t Forget the Fennel
Fennel Slaw with Grapefruit, Cracked-Pepper, and Pistachios
Serves 4
Recipe from Fine Cooking
Ingredients:
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more for drizzling
1-1/2 Tbs. white-wine vinegar
2 large fennel bulbs with fronds (about 3lb.) trimmed (reserve fronds), halved lengthwise, cored, and very thinly sliced
1/3 cup unshelled pistachios, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
Coarsely cracked black pepper
1 large pink grapefruit
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk the oil and vinegar. Add the fennel and half of the nuts. Finely chop the reserved fronds and add half of them to the bowl. Crumble 1/2 teaspoon of the salt into the bowl and a generous pinch of cracked black pepper, and toss to coat.
Slice of the ends of a grapefruit to expose the fruit. Stand the fruit on a cut end, and slice off the skin and pith, following the natural curve of the fruit from top to bottom. Cut on each side of the membrane to free the segments, then cut the segments in half and add them to the fennel. Toss gently and season to taste with salt. Serve immediately topped with the remaining nuts and fronds, a pinch of pepper, and a light drizzle of oil.
Enjoy!
chow and chatter
looks wonderful and I confess i never get it must try
Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen
What a great idea to combine fennel and grapefruit. Yum.Sam
~~louise~~
I adore fennel, Velva. Last week I roasted Fennel with Vidalia onions and it was sooooo good. I used the leftovers in a potato soup the next night:) However, my very best favorite way to enjoy fennel is just like you have presented, Fennel Slaw! Oh my heavens, I could dive right in right now and I just finished a pretty amazing salad for dinner, lol…wish I would have seen this:) Thanks for sharing, Velva…
Michelle
Fennel is not something I am familiar with, but this recipe does look interesting to me.
farmlady
Delightful! I can just taste this.
Angie's Recipes
I love fennel! This is a simple yet very delicious winter salad.
Unknown
Always looking for a reason too cook with Fennel – this looks relish!
Grandbabycakes
This salad looks absolutely fabulous!!
That Girl
I love fennel in a salad. And paired with a nice mild cheese, like provolone!
Sprigs of Rosemary
You know, I've never even thought to plant fennel. Making note to self. I do love fennel. My favorite way is to roast it. This salad intrigues me, though. I must try it!
Tina
I do enjoy fennel but you know, I have never eaten it raw. It's so good roasted. Hey, put my first raised bed in already. Lettuce is in so far.
Rambling Tart
I just watered the last of my fennel yesterday. 🙂 This would be a delicious way to use it!!
Monet
I don't do enough with fennel. This look so good! Thank you for sharing!
The JR
I've never tried it, but that doesn't mean I won't like it. Looks delicious.
Catherine
Dear Velva, Looks refreshing and delicious. Blessings dear. Catherine xo
Karen (Back Road Journal)
What a nice looking salad. I love fennel and can't wait to make this recipe.
Lori
The fennel and red grapefruit combo has been a new discovery for me this year. Love it! This sounds delicious!
Valerie Harrison (bellini)
i love fennel vela, in salads especially.my love affair started with a simple shaved fennel but has taken on a mind of its own.
Spice
I love fennel, but I have to say I don't buy it often. this salad looks easy & tasty may be next time i'll try this recipe.
Bill
Great looking salad, Velva! I love fennel and you've created a great combination of flavors and textures. Gotta try this one soon! Great post!
Aggie
Goodness I love fennel so much!! This looks great.