Get ready to fall in love with our fennel apple salad, where crunchy fennel meets tart green apples, all jazzed up with sweet cranberries and a splash of lemon. It's the quick, fresh bite you've been craving, perfect for any day, any mood.
With the crunch of fennel and the tartness of green apples, each bite of this salad is pure goodness. It's perfect for adding a quick, healthy spark to your day, proving that simple ingredients can create something truly special.
This salad draws inspiration from our citrus fennel salad and the bold flavors of our vegan ceviche, showcasing our love for combining fresh, vibrant ingredients. It's a celebration of simplicity and taste, making every meal an opportunity to enjoy wholesome, plant-based goodness.
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💚 Why you will love this recipe
- Easy & Quick: Ready in minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Unique & Delicious: The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart.
- Packed with Goodness: Healthy fats and fiber for a satisfying light meal.
🧾 Ingredients
The ingredients that make this salad so good are:
- Fennel bulb adds a crisp texture and a subtle anise flavor that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Green apple introduces a tart crunchiness, balancing the sweet and savory notes of the salad.
- Dried cranberries offer a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Pumpkin seeds provide a nutty crunch and a protein boost, making the salad more satisfying.
- Lemon juice is a natural preservative for the apple slices, adding a fresh, zesty flavor to the salad.
- Red peppercorns introduce a mild, fruity heat, adding depth and a pop of color.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Green Apple | Red Apples, Pears |
| Dried Cranberries | Raisins, Dried Cherries, Chopped Dates |
| Pumpkin Seeds | Sunflower Seeds, Chopped Walnuts, Slivered Almonds |
| Lemon Juice | Apple Cider Vinegar, Lime Juice |
| Red Peppercorns | Pink Peppercorns, Crushed Black Pepper |
🍽 Equipment
Lemon press and mandoline or sharp knife.
🔪 Instructions
To make this fresh and raw, start by washing your ingredients thoroughly.
Step 1: Remove the fennel tops and bottom.
Step 2: Using a mandoline, shave the fennel.
Step 3: Thinly slice green apple.
Step 4: Smash red peppercorns and add lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
Step 5: Add dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds and season with salt.
💡 Expert Tips
Use a mandoline for shaving the fennel to achieve uniformly thin slices, which are key for the salad's best texture and flavor distribution. If you don't have a mandoline, a sharp knife will work, but take your time to ensure the slices are as thin as possible.
Immediately tossing the apple slices in lemon juice is not just for flavor; it also prevents oxidation, keeping the apples from turning brown. This step is crucial for maintaining the vibrant appearance and freshness of the salad, especially if you're not serving it right away.
Crushing the red peppercorns just before sprinkling them over the salad releases their essential oils and maximizes their flavor. This adds subtle but noticeable heat and a burst of color, making the salad even more appealing.
If meal prepping, storing the shaved fennel in cold water with ice will keep it crisp until you're ready to assemble the salad. Drain it well and pat it dry to avoid watering down the dressing.
Balance is vital in this salad, so adjust the amount of lemon juice according to the tartness of the apples and your taste preference.
📖 Variations
Citrus Twist: Instead of red peppercorns, use a pinch of orange zest in the salad for a brighter citrus flavor.
Spicy Twist: Jalapeño slices or a splash of sriracha can add a kick of heat to the salad.
Cheese: homemade parmesan cheese, can add a salty element to the salad.
🥢 How to serve
As a light lunch: Serve with crispy air-fryer tofu for a fuller yet light meal. The tofu's crunchy exterior and soft interior adds a satisfying protein component, making the salad a complete and balanced option for a nutritious midday meal.
Alongside a main dish: This salad pairs beautifully with a hearty vegan-gluten-free lasagna or a quinoa bowl. It makes the perfect side for a more substantial meal.
🥡 Storage
For the freshest taste and crunch, enjoy this salad within a day or two at most.
Freezing this salad or its components is not recommended, as the thawing process will significantly alter the texture of the fennel and apple.
❓ FAQ
Sure, while Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, feel free to use any apple variety you prefer or have on hand for a sweeter or different flavor profile.
Adding a sprinkle of vegan parmesan or a handful of roasted nuts can introduce a savory depth to balance the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.
Absolutely! Its sweet and crunchy elements make it a hit with kids. Plus, it's a fun way to get them to eat more fruits and veggies.
📚 More fennel recipes
Do you love fennel as much as we do? Here are some yummy recipes we really enjoy.
If you're a fan of the unique, aromatic flavor and its health benefits, you'll love exploring more of our fennel-focused recipes. Dive into the warmth of our roasted fennel recipe for a hearty twist on traditional salads, or cozy up with a bowl of our soothing fennel soup, perfect for chilly evenings.
And for a refreshing drink that complements the perfect breakfast, don't miss out on our invigorating fennel juice. Each recipe showcases the versatility of fennel, turning simple ingredients into memorable meals and drinks.
Craving a burst of summer in your meal? Dive into our raw zucchini salad, bursting with fresh herbs and vibrant summery flavors!"
⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
🎥 Video
📋 Recipe
Fennel Apple Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bulb fennel
- 1 green apple (Granny)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red peppercorns
Directions
- Prepare the Fennel: Wash the fennel bulb thoroughly. Trim the base and remove any tough outer layers.
- Shave the fennel into thin slices using a mandoline or a very sharp knife for precision. Aim for almost paper-thin slices for the best texture.
- Prep the Apple: Wash and core the green apple. No need to peel it to keep the extra fiber and color.
- Slice the apple into thin matchsticks or thin slices, whichever you prefer. Immediately toss the apple slices in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shaved fennel and apple slices. Add the dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds to the mix.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the salad. Gently toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are well coated.
- Crush the red peppercorns lightly with the back of a knife or a spice grinder for a burst of color and flavor. Sprinkle them over the salad.
- Serve: Serve immediately, or if meal prepping, store the shaved fennel in cold water with ice, and keep the apple slices tossed in lemon juice in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Liz
Love the fresh and crunchy flavor of apple!