Apple and Fennel Salad is a fresh, crisp, and easy-to-make dish that brings bright flavors to any meal. Combining sweet, juicy apples with the subtle taste of fennel, this delicious salad works beautifully as a light side dish, a refreshing appetizer, or as a vibrant addition to holiday and weeknight menus.
A fruit and a vegetable, with bursts of earthiness from the capers --- that's what you'll get in every bite of this salad.
It's an excellent addition to any meal, both to tantalize your taste buds and to refresh your palate between dishes.
So get your ingredients ready and start preparing for your next meal --- yum! 🙂
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Why this salad recipe is a keeper!
- Light, fresh, and healthy. Perfect for balancing hearty meals.
- Quick to prepare. With simple and fresh ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare and ready in no time.
- Versatile dish. It's a side dish that goes well with meat, poultry, or fish.
Ingredients
(See the recipe card below for measurements.)
- Fennel – remove the fronds, stems, and any other tough parts, then chop it thinly.
- Apples – I prefer to use a slightly tangy variety of red apple, like pink lady. You can use granny smith if you want, but that's a bit much for my taste (for this salad recipe).
- Capers – make sure you rinse them, then drain before adding them with the rest of the ingredients.
- Chives – rinsed and finely chopped.
- Olive oil – a mild extra-virgin olive oil would be excellent.
- Seasonings – apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper.
How to make apple salad with fennel
Start by combining the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Mix everything, making sure the sugar has melted, and set it aside.
Remove the fronds, stems, and any hard parts from the fennel, then slice it thinly.
Core the apples and chop them thinly.
Place the chopped apples and fennel in a large mixing bowl, then pour the apple cider dressing from earlier.
Combine everything evenly.
Add the drained capers and chopped chives.
Mix, then taste and adjust the seasoning, as desired.
Cover your salad with plastic and chill for about twenty minutes.
Mix again, then transfer into another plate --- and serve!
Helpful tips
- If you have the time, place the chopped fennel on a clean kitchen cloth (or paper towel) before combining with the apples. It's an extra step to ensure that any excess water (from rinsing) is absorbed and does not impact the overall flavor of the salad.
- You can peel the apples if you want, but I prefer to keep their skins on for that extra crunch.
- If you like the flavor of the brine water that goes with the capers, skip the rinsing and add them directly into the bowl.
Serving suggestions
Being a versatile dish, you can serve apple and fennel salad with (almost) anything. To give you some ideas, combine it with some simple everyday dishes from the blog:
Italian Sausage Stew with Vegetables
Serving this salad alongside Italian sausage stew creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures. The salad's crisp apples and subtly sweet fennel bring a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory stew.
Each bite of the salad helps lighten the meal, cleansing the palate and allowing you to enjoy the hearty depth of the sausage and vegetables fully.
The fresh salad is a perfect accompaniment to one-pan chicken with cherry tomatoes. The salad's crisp apples and subtly sweet fennel bring a refreshing contrast to the savory, juicy chicken and the bright acidity of the cherry tomatoes.
Together, they create a beautifully balanced meal --- light, fresh, and full of complementary textures and flavors.
The salad and easy orange pound cake make a refreshing and elegant pairing to complement any meal. It's light, aromatic freshness that beautifully contrasts the moist, citrusy richness of the pound cake.
A simple yet sophisticated pairing that feels bright, seasonal, and perfectly satisfying after a hearty main course.
Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, apple salad with fennel is the perfect way to brighten any meal.
So quick to prepare, this salad is a simple way to elevate your table --- give it a try and discover how a few fresh ingredients can transform your meal into something memorable!
More easy side dish recipes
An easy, flavor-packed rice side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, stews, or roasted vegetables.
Made with tender bulgur, sautéed onions, and a hint of tomato, bulgur pilaf is a simple side dish that delivers wholesome, satisfying flavor in every bite — perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.
Roasted Eggplant with Tomatoes
Another simple side dish that's also an excellent appetizer.
Soft, roasted eggplants topped with flavorful tomatoes and a bit of cheese; it's a rustic dish that pairs perfectly with meats, grains, or pasta --- or it can be served on its own to start a meal.
A versatile and easy-to-prepare dish that works beautifully as both a side and an appetizer. Nutty bulgur combines with cucumber and other fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing to create a light, delicious dish that complements grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or hearty mains.
Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it perfect for casual weeknight meals, festive gatherings, or as a starter to impress guests.
GET MORE IDEAS FROM THIS LIST OF EASY APPETIZER RECIPES!
📖 Recipe
Apple and Fennel Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Chopping board
- Kitchen knife
- Strainer
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples
- 1 large fennel
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 tp 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix, making sure the sugar melts, then set it aside.
- Remove the fronds, stems, and any hard parts from the fennel, then slice it thinly.
- Core the apples and chop them thinly.
- Place the chopped apples and fennel in a large mixing bowl, then pour the apple cider dressing from earlier.
- Combine everything evenly, then add the drained capers and chopped chives.
- Mix, taste, and adjust the seasoning, as desired.
- Cover with a plastic and chill for about twenty minutes.
- Mix again, then transfer your fresh salad to another plate. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Cook's Tip: Remove the skin of the apples, if that's what you prefer. I always keep them because I like the extra crunch they add to the salad.
- Refer to the post for more tips and suggestions.
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