Bright and crisp fennel, crunchy toasted walnuts, sweet Bosc pear, and sharp, rich Parmigiano-Reggiano come together and rest upon a fresh and fluffy bed of spicy arugula.
When it comes to creating delicious, beautiful, nutritious salads that satisfy all those taste buds, the limits are truly endless. I love the creativity that comes with building a salad and knowing that every single bite is going to be a little bit different. There are limitless options for flavors, textures, and keeping things interesting. This Shaved Fennel and Arugula Salad with a Creamy Date-Dijon Vinaigrette is the perfect example.
As if this salad combo isn’t already delicious enough, the flavors and textures are intensified with a generous topping of tangy pomegranate seeds, fresh aromatic mint leaves, feathery fennel fronds, and a vinaigrette made with earthy olive oil, sweet and sticky dates, tangy mustard, and spicy garlic.
PRO TIP: I highly recommend doubling up this dressing recipe so you have extra on deck for more meals throughout your week. It’s also great on grilled chicken, grain bowls, and as a spread on sandwiches.
Many people are unaware that the entire fennel plant is incredibly delicious and versatile. In many recipes, the bulb tends to get all of the attention, but in this salad, we’re highlighting both the bulb and the fronds. Not only do the fronds provide a lovely emerald green garnish, but they also add a unique earthy flavor. Treat them as you would other herbs like parsley or dill. Also, don’t discard those delicious, crunchy fennel stalks for grilling, roasting, or stocks.
Here’s a quick and easy recipe, because food waste is no bueno. Cut the stalks into thirds, toss in some olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt, and roast them in the oven at 375 degrees for 25 minutes to have a caramelized, savory snack to munch on throughout the week (if they last that long).
This salad makes for the perf lunch or dinner. I often make it as our featured salad for Pizza & Salad & Martini Friday or Sunday Dinners spent with family. Get creative and have fun with your salad creations, starting with this Shaved Fennel and Arugula Salad with a Creamy Date-Dijon Vinaigrette!
If you make this fresh and vibrant salad, be sure to tag @threebirdsonestove so I can see how you're enjoying!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Yield (Salad): 4 Servings
Yield (Dressing): ½ cup
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 fennel bulb*, plus fronds
½ cup raw walnuts, toasted (method below)
½ teaspoon olive oil
8 unpacked cups arugula
1 ripe Bosc pear, very thinly sliced*
⅔ cup shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano*
¼ cup whole fresh mint leaves, washed and dried
1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds
*Useful Tools for Shaving/Slicing:
Class Mandoline Slicer
Handheld Mandoline Slicer
Multi-Sided Cheese Grater
Wide Vegetable Peeler
For the Dressing:
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 pitted Medjool dates
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Prepare Salad:
Prep the fennel: Trim the base of the fennel bulb and cut into quarters. Holding each quarter in your hand, carefully run it lengthwise along your tool of choice until it becomes difficult to hold. Place aside.
Toast the nuts: Add ½ teaspoon olive oil, walnuts, and a sprinkle of kosher or flaky salt to a small sauté pan. Bring to medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Transfer the toasted walnuts to a cutting board and allow to cool for two minutes. Roughly chop and place aside.
Prepare Dressing:
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a mason jar and store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Suggested Plating and Serving:
In a shallow bowl or large round or oval dish, distribute your arugula base.
Top with shaved fennel, sliced pear, shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, and mint leaves.
If dressing to serve, begin with just a light drizzle of Creamy-Date Dijon Vinaigrette.
Sprinkle the toasted nuts and pomegranate seeds.
Finally, finish your plating by gently placing the fennel fronds atop your salad.
Add the remaining dressing to a mason jar or small serving bowl with a serving spoon, and place beside your salad for serving.
