Crispy Fennel and Apple Salad with Sweet Corn
This refreshing crispy fennel and apple salad is a delightful medley of textures and flavors. The anise-like crunch of fresh fennel pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart notes of apple, while the addition of bright, sweet corn adds a burst of summer sweetness. Tossed with a light, zesty vinaigrette, this salad is perfect as a stand-alone dish or as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing taste of nature's bounty, ideal for warm days or gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fennel bulbs
2 large (thinly sliced, cores removed)
Apple
1 (thinly sliced (Royal Gala or Granny Smith, skin on))
Red onion
1/4 cup (thinly sliced lengthwise)
Fresh corn
1 (cooked, kernels removed from cob)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
Lemon juice
1/2 (freshly squeezed)
Fennel leaves
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the fennel: remove the tough outer leaves, then cut off the tops and bottoms, discarding them. Cut each bulb in half and carefully remove the core before slicing each half as thinly as possible.
2
For the apple, leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients, then slice it thinly using a sharp knife. Aim for uniform slices to ensure an even distribution in the salad.
3
Slice the red onion lengthwise as thinly as you can for a milder flavor and pleasant crunch.
4
Next, take your fresh cooked corn and carefully cut the kernels off the cob, ensuring you get as much of the sweet corn as possible.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fennel leaves, sugar, salt, and pepper to create a light vinaigrette.
6
In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced fennel, apple, red onion, and corn, then pour the vinaigrette over the mixture, tossing to ensure everything is evenly coated.
7
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in the Crispy Fennel and Apple Salad?
The main ingredients include two large fennel bulbs, one apple, red onion, and fresh cooked corn kernels.
How should I prepare the fennel bulbs for this recipe?
Remove the tough outer leaves, cut off the tops and bottoms, remove the core, and slice the bulbs as thinly as possible.
Should the apple be peeled before slicing?
No, the recipe recommends leaving the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
Which apple varieties are best for this salad?
Royal Gala or Granny Smith apples are recommended for their sweet or tart flavor profiles.
How do I slice the red onion for the best flavor?
Slice the red onion lengthwise as thinly as possible to provide a milder flavor and pleasant crunch.
Does the corn need to be cooked before adding it to the salad?
Yes, you should use fresh cooked corn and then carefully cut the kernels off the cob.
What ingredients are needed for the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is made from olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fennel leaves, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegetarians.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to let the salad chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
What role do the fennel leaves play in the recipe?
The chopped fennel leaves are whisked into the vinaigrette to add extra flavor to the dressing.
Is there any sugar in the salad dressing?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the lemon juice.
What kind of texture can I expect from this dish?
The salad has a refreshing and crispy texture due to the thinly sliced fennel, fresh apple, and corn.
Can I serve this salad as a main course?
While it works as a stand-alone dish, it is also ideal as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and consists primarily of fresh vegetables, fruit, and a light olive oil dressing.
How much olive oil is required for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of olive oil for the vinaigrette.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies 1/2 of a freshly squeezed lemon for the best flavor, though bottled can be used if necessary.
What is the best way to combine the ingredients?
Combine the sliced fennel, apple, onion, and corn in a large bowl, then pour the vinaigrette over them and toss gently.
Is this salad a good choice for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as a refreshing taste of nature's bounty, ideal for warm days and gatherings.
What type of onion does the recipe call for?
The recipe specifically calls for red onion for its color and flavor.
Can I substitute the apple for another fruit?
While the recipe specifies apple, a crisp pear could be a potential substitute for a similar texture.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the vinaigrette to taste.
How many fennel bulbs do I need?
You will need two large fennel bulbs.
Should the corn kernels be frozen or fresh?
The recipe calls for fresh corn cooked and removed from the cob for the best summer sweetness.
Is it necessary to remove the fennel core?
Yes, you should carefully remove the core before slicing the fennel bulbs.
How much red onion is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion.
What is the flavor profile of fennel?
Fennel has a distinct anise-like flavor that pairs well with the sweet and tart notes of the apple.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept chilled in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
Although not in the original recipe, walnuts or pecans could be added for extra crunch.
Is the vinaigrette heavy or light?
It is a light, zesty vinaigrette designed to complement the fresh ingredients without overpowering them.
Why is it important to slice the ingredients thinly?
Uniform, thin slices ensure an even distribution of flavors and a consistent, crispy texture in every bite.