Crisp Apple Fennel Salad with Gorgonzola and Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Crisp Apple Fennel Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that beautifully showcases the seasonal produce of winter. Inspired by the bountiful harvests of the Pacific Northwest, this salad features a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with the crunch of fresh apples and fennel, complemented by creamy gorgonzola cheese. Tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, the vibrant colors and textures make this salad an exciting addition to your dining table. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as a light lunch, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.
N/A
Servings
136
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Garlic
1 clove (peeled and cut in half)
Apples
2 (unpeeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
Fennel
1 cup (diced)
Curly endive lettuce
2 cups (torn into bite-size pieces)
Mixed salad greens
5 cups (torn into bite-size pieces)
Gorgonzola
1/4 cup (crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, fresh ground black pepper, and halved garlic clove. Secure the lid and shake vigorously to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Allow the vinaigrette to chill for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. This mixture can also be prepared up to two days in advance.
2
While the vinaigrette chills, prepare the salad ingredients. Wash and core the apples, then slice them thinly without peeling. Chop the fennel into small cubes.
3
In a large salad bowl, layer the sliced apples and diced fennel at the bottom. Remove the garlic from the vinaigrette and pour the dressing over the apple-fennel mixture, ensuring an even coating. Gently toss to combine.
4
Carefully add the torn curly endive and mixed salad greens on top of the apple and fennel mixture. If you're making this salad ahead of time, cover it with a clean, damp towel and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
5
Before serving, sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola cheese over the salad. Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients and serve immediately, allowing everyone to savor the delicious blend of flavors.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
8g
Carbs
2g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Crisp Apple Fennel Salad?
The salad features a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a refreshing crunch from fresh apples and fennel.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients used in this recipe.
How long should the balsamic vinaigrette chill?
The vinaigrette should chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Can I prepare the salad dressing in advance?
Yes, the vinaigrette can be prepared up to two days in advance.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No, the apples should be cored and thinly sliced without peeling.
What should I do with the garlic clove in the dressing?
The garlic should be halved and added to the dressing for flavor, then removed before pouring the dressing over the salad.
How should the fennel be prepared?
The fennel should be chopped into small cubes, totaling about 1 cup.
What types of greens are used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of torn curly endive lettuce and 5 cups of torn mixed salad greens.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead of time if covered with a clean, damp towel and refrigerated.
When is the best time to add the gorgonzola cheese?
The crumbled gorgonzola should be sprinkled over the salad just before serving.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 136 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
The salad provides 2g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 8g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this salad a good source of fiber?
Yes, it contains 2g of fiber per serving.
What is the primary oil used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
What kind of vinegar is required for the vinaigrette?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is tagged as vegetarian.
What region inspired this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the bountiful harvests of the Pacific Northwest.
Which season is this salad best suited for?
It is described as a seasonal winter salad.
How should the greens be prepared?
Both the curly endive and mixed greens should be torn into bite-size pieces.
How many apples do I need?
You will need 2 apples for this recipe.
How do I mix the vinaigrette?
Combine ingredients in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously.
How much salt is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the texture of the gorgonzola in this dish?
The gorgonzola provides a creamy texture to complement the crunchy produce.
Can I use this recipe for a holiday gathering?
Yes, the recipe is noted as ideal for holiday gatherings.
How do you prevent the salad from wilting if prepared early?
Cover the salad with a clean, damp towel and refrigerate it.
Is there any sugar added to the dressing?
No, there is no added sugar; the sweetness comes from the balsamic vinegar and apples.
How much gorgonzola is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of crumbled gorgonzola.
How should the salad be served?
Toss all ingredients gently after adding the cheese and serve immediately.