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Fresh Shaved Fennel and Apple Salad with Feta and Walnuts

shaved fennel and apple salad - featured image
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This crisp, tangy salad features paper-thin fennel and apples tossed with creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and a bright lemon-honey dressing. It’s quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for lunch, brunch, or as a refreshing side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and washed (about 10 oz)
  • 2 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, about 12 oz), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (toasted for extra flavor, optional)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus extra for tossing apples)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Trim off the stalks and fronds from the fennel bulb. Slice the bulb in half lengthwise and remove the tough core. Using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife, shave the fennel into paper-thin slices.
  2. Core the apples and slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). Toss apple slices with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Cool before chopping (optional).
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add shaved fennel, apple slices, and half the chopped walnuts. Pour dressing over and toss gently until coated.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top, add remaining walnuts and chopped parsley (if using). Toss gently or leave feta on top for presentation.
  7. Transfer salad to a serving platter or bowl. If prepping ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to two hours.

Notes

Shave fennel and apples as thinly as possible for best texture. Toss apples in lemon juice immediately to prevent browning. Toasting walnuts adds flavor but is optional. Salad holds well for up to 2 hours in the fridge; keep dressing separate if making ahead. Customize with different nuts, cheeses, or add-ins like dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: fennel salad, apple salad, feta, walnuts, easy salad, gluten-free, vegetarian, healthy, quick, fresh, brunch, potluck

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/fresh-shaved-fennel-and-apple-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-feta-and-walnuts/