17 Fresh Fennel Salad Recipes

I’ll admit, I was slow to warm up to fennel. That distinct anise flavor felt a little strong for me at first. But I learned that when it’s sliced very thin and paired with the right ingredients, it becomes something special—crisp, refreshing, and not at all overpowering.

Now I look for it to add a crunchy, fresh element to my salads, especially when I want something that feels a bit different from the usual.

Here are the recipes that changed my mind.

1. Simple Shaved Fennel Salad

Fennel bulb sliced paper-thin and tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and a crack of black pepper. Letting it sit for 10 minutes softens it just right.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 90
2. Protein: 1g
3. Carbs: 9g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Simple Shaved Fennel Salad recipe.

2. Fennel and Orange Salad

A classic combination. Shaved fennel with segments of fresh orange and red onion slices. A light orange vinaigrette ties it together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 130
2. Protein: 2g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 6g

Get the Fennel and Orange Salad recipe.

3. Fennel, Apple, and Walnut Salad

Thinly sliced fennel and crisp apple with toasted walnuts. A lemon-poppy seed dressing adds a bright, sweet touch.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 3g
3. Carbs: 20g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 6g

Get the Fennel, Apple, and Walnut Salad recipe.

4. Fennel and Radish Salad

Sliced fennel and radishes for a double crunch, with a simple red wine vinaigrette and plenty of fresh dill.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 80
2. Protein: 2g
3. Carbs: 9g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Fennel and Radish Salad recipe.

5. Italian Fennel and Celery Salad

Equal parts thinly sliced fennel and celery heart with parsley and parmesan shavings. It’s all about clean, simple flavors.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 110
2. Protein: 5g
3. Carbs: 10g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Italian Fennel and Celery Salad recipe.

6. Fennel and Beet Salad

Roasted or boiled beets and shaved fennel on a bed of arugula. A citrus-shallot vinaigrette balances the earthiness.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 150
2. Protein: 4g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 7g

Get the Fennel and Beet Salad recipe.

7. Fennel and Kale Salad

Sturdy kale massaged with lemon, then mixed with shaved fennel and toasted pine nuts. The textures work really well together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 170
2. Protein: 5g
3. Carbs: 18g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 6g

Get the fennel and kale salad recipe.

8. Fennel, Cucumber, and Mint Salad

A trio of freshness. Sliced fennel, cucumber, and fresh mint in a lemon-yogurt dressing. Perfect with grilled food.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 100
2. Protein: 4g
3. Carbs: 14g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 5g

Get the Fennel, Cucumber, and Mint Salad recipe.

9. Fennel and Grapefruit Salad

Bitter grapefruit segments, shaved fennel, and avocado slices. A honey-ginger vinaigrette smooths out the sharp edges.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 3g
3. Carbs: 24g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 8g

Get the fennel and grapefruit salad recipe.

10. Fennel and Olive Salad

A bold, savory salad. Shaved fennel mixed with green olives, orange zest, and a garlicky vinaigrette

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 140
2. Protein: 2g
3. Carbs: 12g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 5g

Get the fennel and olive salad recipe.

11. Fennel Slaw with Creamy Dressing

Shredded fennel and green cabbage in a creamy buttermilk-style dressing with herbs. A great alternative to coleslaw.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 120
2. Protein: 3g
3. Carbs: 13g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 5g

Get the Fennel Slaw with Creamy Dressing recipe.

12. Fennel and Chickpea Salad

Shaved fennel with chickpeas, red onion, and parsley. A lemony cumin dressing makes it hearty enough for lunch.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 10g

Get the fennel and chickpea salad recipe.

13. Fennel and Pomegranate Salad

Shaved fennel with pomegranate arils, mint, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. A simple pomegranate vinaigrette is perfect here.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 160
2. Protein: 4g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 6g

Get the fennel and pomegranate salad recipe.

14. Warm Fennel and Potato Salad

Steamed fingerling potatoes and fennel slices tossed while warm with a whole-grain mustard vinaigrette and chives.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 4g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 6g

Get the Warm Fennel and Potato Salad recipe.

15. Fennel and Endive Salad

A mix of bitter greens. Shaved fennel with Belgian endive leaves, walnuts, and a blue cheese vinaigrette.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 170
2. Protein: 5g
3. Carbs: 14g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 7g

Get the Fennel and Endive Salad recipe.

16. Fennel and Smoked Trout Salad

Flaked smoked trout with shaved fennel, watercress, and a dill-caper dressing. It’s elegant but easy to assemble.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 200
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 8g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Fennel and Smoked Trout Salad recipe

17. Fennel and Citrus with Honey-Lavender Dressing

A mix of citrus like orange, grapefruit, and blood orange with shaved fennel. A delicate honey and lavender dressing makes it special.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 2g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 7g

Get the Fennel and Citrus with Honey-Lavender Dressing recipe.