Golden Fennel and Greens Salad with Balsamic Drizzle
Discover the delightful flavors of this refreshing salad featuring golden-brown, caramelized fennel. This dish combines the sweet and slightly anise-like taste of fennel with a mix of vibrant salad greens, thinly sliced red onion, and savory parmesan cheese. Topped with a warm balsamic vinaigrette, it's the perfect side to elevate any meal or a light dish to enjoy on its own. Whether you're new to fennel or a longtime fan, this salad is sure to become a favorite.
4
Servings
112
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (n/a)
fennel bulbs
2 (trimmed and sliced reasonably thickly vertically)
salt
to taste (n/a)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (n/a)
salad leaves
4 cups (bitter varieties recommended)
red onion
1/2 small (sliced very thinly)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (shavings)
Instructions
1
Start by heating the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
2
Once the oil is hot, add the sliced fennel in a single layer. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3
Cook the fennel for about 5-7 minutes or until it turns golden brown on the first side. Turn the fennel slices over, season the other side, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until both sides are beautifully caramelized and tender.
4
Remove the cooked fennel from the pan and place it on a serving platter. Arrange the salad leaves over the fennel, then scatter the thinly sliced red onion and parmesan shavings on top.
5
In the same frying pan, add the balsamic vinegar. Heat gently, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the dressing.
6
Drizzle the warm balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, toss gently if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Fennel and Greens Salad?
It is a refreshing dish featuring caramelized fennel, salad greens, red onion, and parmesan cheese topped with a warm balsamic drizzle.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 112 calories, 7.5g of fat, 5g of carbohydrates, and 2.5g of protein.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian as it contains no meat.
What type of oil is used for frying the fennel?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How should the fennel bulbs be prepared?
The fennel bulbs should be trimmed and sliced reasonably thickly vertically.
How long does it take to cook the fennel?
Cook the fennel for 5-7 minutes on the first side and an additional 5 minutes on the second side until golden brown.
What type of salad leaves are recommended?
Bitter varieties of salad leaves are recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the red onion?
The red onion should be sliced very thinly.
How is the balsamic vinaigrette prepared?
Heat balsamic vinegar in the same pan used for the fennel, scraping up caramelized bits, then drizzle it warm over the salad.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese shavings.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by omitting the parmesan cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What does caramelized fennel taste like?
Caramelized fennel has a sweet and slightly anise-like or licorice flavor.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The salad is served with warm fennel and a warm balsamic drizzle, so it is best served immediately while these components are warm.
What is the heat setting for cooking the fennel?
The olive oil and fennel should be heated over medium-high heat.
How do I arrange the salad?
Place the cooked fennel on a platter, layer the salad leaves over it, then scatter the red onion and parmesan on top.
What seasonings are used?
The fennel is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How much salad greens are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of salad leaves.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
The recipe specifically uses balsamic vinegar to create a sweet and savory drizzle, but other vinegars would alter the intended flavor.
Why do I use the same pan for the vinegar?
Using the same pan allows the vinegar to incorporate the caramelized fennel bits left behind, adding more depth to the dressing.
How many fennel bulbs are used?
Two fennel bulbs are used for this recipe.
Is this dish a side or a main?
It can be served as an elegant side dish or a light standalone meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
Can I substitute the red onion?
While red onion provides a specific sharp flavor, you could try shallots for a milder taste.
How do I know when the fennel is done?
The fennel is ready when both sides are beautifully caramelized, golden brown, and tender.
Is there any sugar added to the dressing?
No added sugar is used; the sweetness comes from the caramelized fennel and the balsamic vinegar.
Do I need to toss the salad?
You can toss it gently if desired after drizzling the vinaigrette, or leave it layered for presentation.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.