Crisp Fennel and Apple Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette
This vibrant salad combines the crunch of fresh fennel and tart Granny Smith apples with peppery arugula, all drizzled with a warm, tangy cider vinaigrette. The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making it a perfect complement to a gourmet pizza or as a refreshing side for any meal. This recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
N/A
Servings
110
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
unfiltered apple cider or apple juice
1/2 cup (Unfiltered preferred for better flavor.)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (Use high-quality for best results.)
apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (Choose a good-quality vinegar.)
honey
1 teaspoon (Use local honey for added flavor.)
Granny Smith apple
1 large (Quartered, cored, and thinly sliced.)
fresh fennel bulb
1 medium (Trimmed and thinly sliced.)
arugula
2 cups (About 3 ounces, fresh and washed.)
pecans
1/2 cup (Toasted, about 2 ounces.)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the unfiltered apple cider (or juice), olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until well blended. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, fennel, and arugula.
3
Toss the salad gently with enough vinaigrette to coat the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to bruise the arugula or apples.
4
Divide the salad evenly among four plates, creating a beautiful mound on each. Sprinkle the toasted pecans on top before serving for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
8g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crisp Fennel and Apple Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette?
It is a vibrant, crunchy salad featuring fresh fennel, tart Granny Smith apples, and peppery arugula, topped with toasted pecans and a tangy cider dressing.
What are the primary ingredients for the vinaigrette?
The dressing consists of unfiltered apple cider, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Which type of apple is recommended for this recipe?
Large Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor and firm, crisp texture.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 110 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only plant-based ingredients and honey.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the salad?
The salad contains 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad provide protein?
Yes, each serving provides 1.5 grams of protein.
What kind of cider should I use for the vinaigrette?
Unfiltered apple cider is preferred for a more robust and better flavor.
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, apple juice is a suitable substitute if unfiltered cider is unavailable.
How should the fennel be prepared?
The fennel bulb should be trimmed and thinly sliced.
What is the best way to slice the apples?
The apples should be quartered, cored, and then thinly sliced.
Why are pecans used in this recipe?
Toasted pecans are used to add a delightful crunch and a deep nutty flavor to the salad.
What type of greens are in this salad?
The recipe uses 2 cups of fresh arugula, which provides a peppery contrast to the sweet apples.
How do I prevent the arugula from bruising?
Toss the salad gently with the vinaigrette to avoid damaging the delicate arugula leaves.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What makes the vinaigrette 'warm'?
The vinaigrette is typically whisked together; although the title mentions 'warm,' the recipe instructions suggest a fresh mix which can be served at room temperature or slightly warmed.
What can I serve this salad with?
It is an excellent accompaniment to gourmet pizza or any seasonal main course.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients required for this salad.
Is this recipe considered a seasonal dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a seasonal dish, perfectly capturing autumn flavors.
What kind of olive oil is best?
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor results.
How do I serve this salad?
Divide the tossed salad into four plates, creating a mound, and sprinkle toasted pecans on top.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it involves simple whisking and tossing, making it a quick gourmet side dish.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are used to season the dressing to taste.
What is the total weight of the arugula needed?
About 3 ounces of fresh arugula is required.
Can I use different nuts?
While pecans are recommended, you could substitute them with walnuts or hazelnuts if desired.
What is the role of honey in the recipe?
Honey acts as a sweetener to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the tartness of the apples.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The instructions suggest dividing the salad among four plates, implying four servings.
Is local honey recommended?
Yes, using local honey is suggested for added depth of flavor.