Fresh Fennel And Tomato Salad Recipe

This vibrant fennel and cherry tomato salad is a refreshing spin on your usual greens, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor with every bite. The combination of aromatic basil and a touch of Parmesan elevates the dish, making it perfect for a light, satisfying meal or an impressive side at your next dinner party.

I adore the delightful, crisp flavor of fennel mingled with the sweet-tart taste of cherry tomatoes. When you throw in some finely minced fresh basil and a pool of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, it’s a perfect flavor combination for a light and healthy side dish that also feels a little decadent.

The best part: a very slight dusting of shaved Parmesan that adds a savory layer and barely enough to make this dish feel like an actual “dish” instead of a “salad.”

Fresh Fennel And Tomato Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Fennel Bulb: Crisp texture, slight anise flavor, dietary fiber source, low-calorie.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, vitamin C rich, lycopene antioxidants, promote heart health.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic, enhances flavor, rich in vitamin K, anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Healthy fats, antioxidant-loaded, heart-supportive, enhances taste.
• Lemon Juice: Refreshing acidity, vitamin C boost, natural preservative, balances flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Umami-rich, protein source, calcium support, adds savory depth.

Fresh Fennel And Tomato Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

How to Make this Fresh Fennel And Tomato Salad Recipe

1. Start by preparing the fennel bulb. Cut off the stalks and then cut the fennel bulb in half. Lay the fennel flat on your cutting board and slice it thinly with a mandoline or sharp knife. You want even slices here. If the pieces seem too thick or large, you can cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces.

2. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and put them into a big mixing bowl.

3. Place the sliced fennel in the bowl with the halved cherry tomatoes.

4. Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and place them in the bowl.

5. In a tiny bowl, combine the oil and juice; whisk them together until they are thoroughly integrated.

6. Drizzle the mixture of olive oil and lemon juice over the fennel, tomatoes, and basil.

7. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the salad for seasoning.

8. Toss the bowl ingredients lightly to guarantee an even coating of the dressing on all components.

9. Finish the salad with thinly sliced Parmesan cheese.

10. Serve without delay, and you can have it as either a zingy side dish or a light yet satisfying main course.

Fresh Fennel And Tomato Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Mandoline or sharp knife
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Measuring spoons
7. Salad tongs or spoon for tossing
8. Cheese slicer or peeler (for Parmesan)

FAQ

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?Certainly! The preparation of both the fennel and the tomatoes can be done in advance. They can be stored in the refrigerator, ready to be combined with the dressing and the basil right before serving. This salad will be at its optimum freshness when it is served immediately after the final combining of ingredients.
• What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good substitutes that will still give the salad a truly lovely and savory flavor.
• Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?For the best flavor, use fresh basil; if this is not available, use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil. It should be noted that, while dried basil is still flavorful, it doesn’t have the same vibrant taste and aroma that fresh basil has.
• How do I shave Parmesan cheese?Create long, thin shavings of a block of Parmesan cheese, using a vegetable peeler or a cheese plane.
• What pairs well with this salad?This salad complements grilled chicken or fish exceptionally well. It can also serve as a light side dish to accompany pasta.
• Can I add more vegetables to the salad?Definitely! Cucumbers or bell peppers would make great additions to this salad. They would add extra crunch and freshness.
• How should I store leftovers?Keep any leftover dressing in a sealed container in the fridge. It will last 2 days and be at its best on Day 1. If you can, keep it separate from the salad; the dressing will keep much better that way.

Fresh Fennel And Tomato Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Fennel bulb: Substitute with crunchy-celery or cucumber for a different texture. Thinly slice to maintain the likeness.
Grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes can be used in place of cherry tomatoes.
Fresh basil leaves: Substitute with fresh mint or parsley for an herbaceous flavor that’s a little different from basil.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead.
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese: Use these in place of shaved Parmesan.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the fennel seeds: If you want to enhance the flavor of the fennel, try lightly toasting a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a dry pan until they’re fragrant. Sprinkle them over the salad for an extra burst of flavor.

2. Chill before serving: For a refreshing taste, let the salad marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.

3. Add texture with nuts: Consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a bit of crunch and added depth to the salad.

4. Use high-quality Parmesan: Make sure to use a good quality, aged Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Shave it freshly just before serving to maximize its aromatic qualities.

5. Experiment with vinegar: For a different flavor profile, you can substitute some of the lemon juice with a splash of balsamic or white wine vinegar, which will add a subtle acidity and complexity to the dressing.