Crisp Fennel Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Light Mediterranean salad with fennel and cucumber.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
02 - 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
03 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
07 - 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
08 - 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
09 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

11 - Zest of 1 lemon
12 - 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts

# How-To:

01 - Thinly slice the fennel bulb, cucumber, and red onion using a sharp knife or mandoline.
02 - Place all sliced vegetables in a large salad bowl. Add the chopped dill.
03 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
04 - Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Toss gently to coat evenly.
05 - Garnish with lemon zest and toasted pine nuts if desired. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The crunch from the fennel and cucumber is incredibly satisfying and refreshing.
  • It comes together in mere minutes but looks impressive on any dinner table.
02 -
  • Letting the salad sit for too long will make it soggy, so dress it right before you eat.
  • Mandolines can be dangerous, so always use the hand guard to protect your fingers.
03 -
  • Toast your pine nuts in a dry pan until golden to deepen their nutty flavor.
  • Taste the cucumber first and if the skin is bitter, peel it before slicing.