If you’re searching for a refreshing and crisp salad that will brighten any meal, this Fennel and Celery Salad Recipe is a real winner. Combining the subtle anise-like crunch of fennel with the bright, juicy snap of celery, it creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Tossed in a zesty lemon and Dijon mustard dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of tang, creaminess, and a little kick of spice. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this Fennel and Celery Salad Recipe is simple, quick, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fennel and Celery Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen for their fresh, crisp qualities that make the salad sing. These essentials come together to deliver a mix of textures and lively flavors that are anything but ordinary.
- Fennel bulb: Use a fresh, medium-sized bulb about 200g for that signature crunchy and slightly sweet licorice flavor.
- Celery stalks: Approximately 2 cups or 200g of celery provide the salad with crispness and a refreshing, watery bite.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, acidic punch that lifts all other flavors in the salad.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Brings a silky richness that balances the tangy lemon juice perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: A teaspoon adds just the right hint of heat and depth to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and dressing.
How to Make Fennel and Celery Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Fresh Ingredients
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying your fennel bulb and celery stalks. Clean, crisp, and fresh vegetables are the foundation of this salad, so taking this step seriously ensures every bite is vibrant and crunchy.
Step 2: Thinly Slice the Fennel Bulb
Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the fennel bulb into delicate thin slices. Thin slices let the elegant anise flavor come through without overpowering, and also create a lovely, almost translucent texture that makes the salad visually appealing.
Step 3: Chop the Celery into Bite-Size Pieces
Cut the celery stalks into uniform chunks, about bite-sized, so every forkful has a pleasant crunch and chew. Consistent sizing helps balance textures between the crisp celery and the tender fennel slices perfectly.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the ingredients are emulsified into a bright, tangy dressing that will coat your vegetables with flavor.
Step 5: Toss and Combine
Transfer the sliced fennel and chopped celery into a large bowl, then pour over the dressing. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so that each piece of vegetable is evenly coated with the zesty dressing.
Step 6: Serve or Chill
You can serve this salad immediately if you love that crisp freshness, or let it chill for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Either way, it’s an uplifting, crunchy delight that’s ready in minutes.
How to Serve Fennel and Celery Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra crunch and nuttiness. Fresh herbs such as parsley or dill can also add pops of green and fresh aroma, taking the salad’s flavor profile to the next level.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or roasted chicken, providing a fresh contrast to richer main dishes. It’s also a lovely companion to creamy cheese platters or hearty grain bowls, offering a crisp balance to heavier flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the fennel and celery salad in individual glass jars for an elegant presentation at dinner parties or picnics. Alternatively, serve it atop mixed greens or arugula for a more substantial salad variation that doubles as a light meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 24 hours to enjoy the crisp texture of the fennel and celery, as they tend to soften over time.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh, crunchy ingredients, freezing is not recommended. The texture of fennel and celery will break down and become watery after thawing, diminishing the salad’s delightful crunch.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary or advised. The fresh flavors and textures shine best when enjoyed chilled or freshly prepared.
FAQs
Can I use fennel fronds in the salad?
Absolutely! The feathery fennel fronds make a lovely garnish and add a subtle herbal note that complements the crunchy bulb perfectly.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, the Fennel and Celery Salad Recipe is entirely plant-based and naturally vegan, making it a fresh and healthy option for anyone avoiding animal products.
How can I make the dressing creamier?
For a creamier dressing, try adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt or blending in some tahini. This adds body while keeping the bright flavors intact.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Thinly sliced radishes, cucumber, or even apple slices pair beautifully with fennel and celery, adding color and extra crunch.
What’s the best way to slice fennel if I don’t have a mandoline?
A very sharp chef’s knife works perfectly; take your time to create thin, even slices. The thinner the slice, the more tender the texture and delicate the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about how this Fennel and Celery Salad Recipe comes together with so little fuss yet offers such vibrant flavor and crunch. It’s one of those refreshing dishes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again, perfect for brightening lunch or adding a crisp note to dinner. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite easy salads to prepare and share.
Print
Fennel and Celery Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and crisp salad featuring thinly sliced fresh fennel bulb and chopped celery stalks, dressed with a zesty lemon and Dijon mustard vinaigrette. This light and healthy fennel and celery salad is perfect as a side dish or a quick snack, delivering a delightful crunch and bright flavors with minimal prep and no cooking required.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 medium fresh fennel bulb (about 200g), thinly sliced
- 2 cups celery stalks (about 200g), chopped into bite-sized pieces
Dressing
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash Ingredients. Thoroughly wash and dry the fennel bulb and celery stalks to remove any dirt or impurities before preparation.
- Slice Fennel. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the fennel bulb to achieve delicate, crunchy slices that blend well in the salad.
- Chop Celery. Cut the celery stalks into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even texture and ease of eating.
- Make Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture emulsifies and becomes smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad. Combine the sliced fennel and chopped celery in a large bowl, then pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all pieces.
- Serve or Chill. Serve the salad immediately for maximum crunch and freshness, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen before serving.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
- Use a mandoline slicer for even and thin fennel slices.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain crisp texture.
- Optional: garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added aroma.
