Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine? Look no further than this delightful Green Bean Fennel Salad! Bursting with crisp green beans, aromatic fennel, and zesty lemon, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a tantalizing treat for your taste buds. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it’s a quick and easy recipe that can be whipped up in just 20 minutes! Dive into our recipe and discover how to create a salad that will impress your guests and elevate your dining experience!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Green beans, trimmed
- Fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Prepare the green beans by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the tough ends. Cut beans into uniform 2-inch lengths for even cooking.
- Blanch the green beans in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- Immediately drain the green beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This technique, called shocking, helps preserve the beans' crisp texture and bright green color.
- While beans are cooling, thinly slice the fennel bulb using a sharp knife or mandoline, creating delicate, translucent pieces.
- Slice the red onion into very thin rings or half-moons for a sharp, complementary flavor.
- Drain the cooled green beans completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, sliced fennel, and red onion.
- Create the dressing by whisking together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the salad for a bright, herbal finish.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Tips
- Perfectly Blanched Beans: To achieve the best texture, make sure to blanch the green beans for just 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and crisp-tender—avoid overcooking for the perfect bite!
- Shocking Technique: Don’t skip the ice bath! Shocking the beans in ice water immediately after blanching locks in their vibrant color and keeps them crunchy.
- Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the fennel and red onion thinly. This ensures that the flavors meld beautifully and every bite is equally delicious.
- Dress It Right: When whisking together your dressing, taste as you go! Adjust the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to suit your palate for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors combine and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skimp on the fresh dill! It adds a burst of flavor that complements the salad beautifully, making each bite a herbaceous delight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 186kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
