Hey there, fellow food adventurers! 👋 Today, we're ditching the heavy stuff and diving headfirst into a salad that's as refreshing as a cool breeze on a summer day: Nectarine and Fennel Salad! ☀️
Now, I know what you might be thinking: fennel? In a salad? But trust me on this one. This isn't your grandma's boring side dish. We're talking crunchy, slightly sweet fennel mingling with juicy, ripe nectarines, all brought together by a zesty lemon miso dressing that will make your taste buds sing! 🎶
The Unsung Hero: Fennel
Fennel, my friends, is often overlooked, but it’s a true star in the veggie world. It adds a delightful aniseed flavor and a satisfying crunch to any salad. If you're like me and have a local store that seems to have a fennel shortage, grab it when you can! You won’t regret it. Seriously, fennel in a salad is a game-changer. It goes so well with fruit! I've paired it with roasted grapes, cherries, even blackberries! This time, it's the sweet, juicy nectarine that gets to be its best friend.
Nectarines: The Sweetheart of Summer
Speaking of nectarines, are they not just pure summer sunshine in a bite? We are going for ripe nectarines, the kind that give a little when you squeeze them gently. Yellow or white flesh, it doesn’t matter, the sweetness and juice are what we're after. If nectarines aren't available, don’t worry, you can use peaches, apricots, plums, or even cherries. As long as they are sweet and juicy, you are good to go.
The Magic Dressing
But what brings all of these lovely ingredients together? That, my friends, is our simple lemon miso dressing. It’s a little tangy, a little sweet, and a whole lotta yum! We’re talking fresh lemon zest and juice, a touch of white miso for depth, a drizzle of maple syrup to balance everything out and some good extra virgin olive oil. It’s the perfect melody of flavors.
Let’s Get Assembling
Making this salad is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fennel: Fresh and crunchy
- Nectarines: Ripe and juicy
- Red Onion: Very thinly sliced for a bit of zing
- Fresh Coriander: Adds a herbal punch (or use basil or mint if you prefer)
- Almonds: Toasted for crunch
- Fennel Seeds: Toasted and crushed for extra flavour
- Lemon: Zest and juice
- Miso: White miso for a savory kick
- Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For that lovely dressing
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Combine lemon zest, miso paste, lemon juice, olive oil, and maple syrup in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth, and season with salt and pepper.
- Prep the veggies: Slice the fennel super thin, cut the nectarines into segments, and finely slice the red onion. If raw onion isn’t your thing, drop it in some boiling water for a few seconds to take off the edge. Or, quick pickle it in lemon juice and water for a pretty pink touch!
- Toast the goodies: Toast your almonds and fennel seeds, crush them lightly, and set aside.
- Combine: Toss the fennel, coriander, toasted fennel seeds, and the dressing in a bowl, making sure everything is coated.
- Serve: Arrange the dressed fennel on a platter, add the nectarine segments, and sprinkle with the toasted almonds and extra coriander.
Why This Salad Rocks
- Easy Peasy: Minimal prep time and it comes together quickly.
- Healthy and Hydrating: Packed with vitamins and fiber and so juicy!.
- Perfect for Summer: Light, refreshing, and perfect for those hot days when you don’t want to cook.
- Flavorful: It's a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy.
- Versatile: Great as a starter, side dish, or even a light lunch.
So there you have it, folks! A simple yet stunning salad that's perfect for any occasion. Get those seasonal ingredients and let’s make some magic in the kitchen! ✨ And as always, let me know if you try it and what you think. Happy Cooking! 🤗
Nutritional info (per serving approx)
- Calories: 238
- Sugars: 13g
- Fats: 16g
- Saturates: 2g
- Proteins: 7g
- Carbs: 22g