Best 3 Fennel And Watercress Salad Recipes

In a world of culinary delights, where flavors dance on the palate and textures create a symphony of sensations, the fennel and watercress salad emerges as a refreshing masterpiece. This verdant dish combines the subtle anise notes of fennel with the peppery tang of watercress, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors. The addition of crisp apple, creamy avocado, and crunchy walnuts adds layers of texture and depth, while a tangy lemon-tahini dressing ties all the elements together. Whether served as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a refreshing appetizer, this salad is a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients artfully combined.

But this article is not just about one salad recipe; it's a treasure trove of culinary inspiration, offering variations and alternatives to suit every taste and dietary preference. From a classic fennel and orange salad with a zesty orange-honey dressing to a roasted fennel and beet salad with a balsamic glaze, this article has it all. For those seeking a vegan option, there's a creamy avocado and watercress salad with a tangy lemon-tahini dressing, while those with a sweet tooth can indulge in a fennel and grapefruit salad with a honey-lime dressing. And for those who love the versatility of fennel, there's even a recipe for a fennel and sausage pasta that combines the best of both worlds.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

TOMATO, FENNEL AND WATERCRESS SALAD

Tomato, Fennel and Watercress Salad image

Have some fun with a fennel bulb. This salad is fresh, crisp, and full of flavor.

Provided by Barrett

Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
4 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons Dijon-style prepared mustard
1 teaspoon fennel seed, ground
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups trimmed and coarsely chopped watercress
2 bulbs fennel, trimmed and thinly sliced
6 large tomatoes

Steps:

Whisk together the vinegar, tarragon, mustard, fennel seed and olive oil.
Cut the tomatoes into 1/2 inch thick wedges. In a large salad bowl, combine the watercress, fennel and tomatoes. Toss with vinaigrette to coat, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161.9 calories, Carbohydrate 13.6 g, Fat 11.9 g, Fiber 4.8 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 99.5 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

FENNEL, WATERCRESS, AND ENDIVE SALAD WITH TOASTED PINE NUTS

Fennel, Watercress, and Endive Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts image

Categories Salad Fruit Leafy Green Side Quick & Easy Vinegar Apple Pine Nut Fennel Fall Healthy Endive Watercress Bon Appétit Vegetarian Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup balsamic vinegar
7 medium heads Belgian endive, halved, cut lengthwise into strips
2 large fennel bulbs (about 20 ounces total), trimmed, bulbs halved lengthwise, cored, cut lengthwise into thin strips
2 bunches watercress, thick ends trimmed (about 5 1/2 cups packed)
1 Granny Smith apple, cored, quartered, sliced 1/4 inch thick
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
Parmesan cheese shavings

Steps:

Boil balsamic vinegar in small skillet over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 5 minutes.
Combine endive, fennel, watercress and apple in large bowl. Add olive oil and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide salad among 8 plates. Drizzle with reduced balsamic vinegar, dividing equally. Sprinkle with pine nuts. Garnish with Parmesan shavings.

FENNEL AND WATERCRESS SALAD

Fennel and Watercress Salad image

This salad would be a welcome addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table.

Provided by Anonymous

Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

½ cup chopped dried cranberries
¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 ¼ teaspoons salt
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 bunches watercress - rinsed, dried and trimmed
3 bulbs fennel - trimmed, cored and thinly sliced
3 small heads radicchio, cored and chopped
1 cup pecan halves, toasted

Steps:

In a bowl, combine the cranberries, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, garlic and salt. Whisk in the olive oil.
In a large salad bowl, combine the watercress, fennel, radicchio and pecans. Stir the vinaigrette and pour over salad. Toss well and serve at once.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.6 calories, Carbohydrate 8.9 g, Fat 15.4 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 201.8 mg, Sugar 3 g

Tips:

Choose the right fennel: Look for fennel bulbs that are firm and have a bright white color. Avoid bulbs that are bruised or have brown spots.
Trim the fennel properly: Cut off the root end and any tough outer leaves. Then, slice the fennel bulb thinly, either lengthwise or crosswise.
Use fresh watercress: Watercress should be bright green and crisp. Avoid watercress that is wilted or has yellow leaves.
Dress the salad just before serving: This will help to prevent the watercress from wilting.
Experiment with different variations: This salad is a great base for experimentation. Try adding other ingredients, such as crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, or sliced apples.

Conclusion:

Fennel and watercress salad is a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is also a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your home.