Tomato and Fennel Salad

This salad is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavors, making it an ideal side dish or a light meal on its own. Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes like this one!

Ingredients

To create this delightful salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds of ripe tomatoes (heirloom or Campari recommended)
  • 1 small fennel bulb
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest of half an orange
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • Reserved fennel fronds for garnish

Grocery List

When shopping for your Tomato and Fennel Salad, make sure to include:

  • Fresh tomatoes (choose ripe varieties)
  • Fennel bulb (look for firm bulbs without bruising)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Oranges (for zest and juice)
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Tomato and Fennel Salad:

  1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Depending on their size, cut the tomatoes into wedges or slices. Remove the cores if necessary.
  2. Slice the Fennel: Trim the top off the fennel bulb and reserve some fronds for garnish. Halve the bulb and thinly slice it using a knife or mandoline.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes and fennel.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange zest, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  5. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the tomato and fennel mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients without bruising the tomatoes.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds before serving.

Cooking Time

The total cooking time for this salad is approximately 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for any meal.

Nutritional Information

This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious! Here’s a rough estimate of its nutritional content per serving (based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 12g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil)
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g

Tips and Notes

  • For added flavor, consider including fresh herbs such as basil or parsley.
  • If you prefer a tangier taste, substitute lemon juice for orange juice.
  • This salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato and Fennel Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients coming together in harmony. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light lunch, it showcases how simple ingredients can create something truly special.

Join our kitchen companion membership today to explore more mouth-watering recipes that will delight your palate! Happy cooking!