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Fennel salad in round dish with lemon slice.
Mirjana

Fennel Ginger Cranberry Salad - Easy and Zesty

This simple and refreshing Vegan Fennel Salad with a zingy twist of ginger, cranberries, and lemon is one of my favorite go-to salads that always impresses me. I love fennel for its licorice-like flavor, which is much milder than anise, sweeter, and more delicate. This salad is perfect with baked tofu. If you are a pescatarian, it is an excellent companion to your favorite seafood.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup cup dried sweetened cranberries
  • 1/2 cup uncrystallized candied ginger chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 4 sprigs fennel leaves coarsely chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • handful of toasted walnuts or almonds for added crunch Optional

Method
 

  1. Prepare the ingredients. 
  2. Cut the fennel into 4 pieces vertically and slice them into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thin quarter rounds. Slice the tasty stems also and reserve the feathery leaves for later. You want thin, delicate slices with a lovely crunch in every bite. If you've never worked with fennel before, don't be intimidated—it's surprisingly easy to slice. Remove the tough outer layer before cutting, but include some green stems and leaves. Use the citrus zester or sharp grater teeth to shave the zest from the lemon gently.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan. Sauté fennel slices for 5 minutes over medium heat until translucent but not overcooked. Sprinkle with lemon juice and add lemon zest, salt, ginger, and cranberries. Stir, and let rest for 3 minutes. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, a little seasoning goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
  4. Optional Crunch: If craving extra texture, toss a handful of toasted walnuts or almonds. Not only do they add a satisfying crunch, but they also beautifully complement the flavors of the salad.
    Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh fennel leaves or a few extra cranberries for a pop of color. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so dig in and savor every bite!

Notes

I highly recommend using organic ingredients. Uncrystallized Candied Ginger and Dried Cranberries are available at Trader Joe's.