Shaved Fennel Salad

5 from 2 votes

Shaved Fennel Salad with pineapple, mixed greens, fresh herbs, croutons, and lemon vinaigrette makes a great side dish or light main course.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: Servings

Calories: 202kcal

0.5 large fennel bulb tough outer leaves removed - one cup lightly packed
2 cups mixed greens arugula, spinach, red lettuce, green lettuce
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley or herbs of your choice - dill, mint, basil, etc.
0.5 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
0.5 cup fresh pineapple chunks or canned tidbits
1 cup croutons more or less

Trim the fennel bulb, removing the stalks and outer layer if tough. Use a mandoline slicer to shave very thin slices.
In a medium bowl, combine the shaved fennel, pineapple chunks or orange segments, mixed greens, croutons, and fresh herbs.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley or any other desired toppings.

You can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time, but it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh. Store the shaved fennel in water with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain its crunch.
If you don’t have a mandoline slicer, you can use a very sharp knife to thinly slice the fennel. Another option is a vegetable peeler, which can also achieve thin slices, though it might be more time-consuming.
Fennel fronds can be used as a garnish or mixed into the salad for added flavor and texture. They have a mild anise flavor similar to the bulb and add a nice visual element.
To prevent fennel from browning, store the shaved slices in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice until you’re ready to use them. This helps maintain their color and crispness.
If you don’t have pineapple, other fruits like oranges, grapefruit, apples, or pears will also work. Each fruit will add its own unique flavor profile to the salad.
Leftover shaved fennel salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within a day to maintain the best texture and flavor, as the greens and fennel can become soggy if left too long.