Shaved Fennel and Apple Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
A crisp salad with thinly sliced fennel and apples, dressed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs large fennel bulb, toasted walnuts, apple cider vinegar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 large fennel bulb
- 2 (about 1 cup, thinly sliced) crisp apples
- 1/4 cup, toasted walnuts
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (optional) mixed greens
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice fennel bulb and apples using a mandoline or sharp knife. In a small bowl, whisk apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: Toss sliced fennel, apples, and toasted walnuts in a large bowl, then pour vinaigrette over and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Serve immediately over a bed of mixed greens if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shaved Fennel and Apple Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Shaved Fennel and Apple Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large fennel bulb from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Shaved Fennel and Apple Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Shaved Fennel and Apple Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Shaved Fennel and Apple Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The vinaigrette was amazing. I'll make this again and again.
- ★★★★★
So simple and delicious. Perfect for a light lunch on a hot day.
- ★★★★★
Loved the refreshing taste. Made it for my family and they all enjoyed it.
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