10-Minute Shaved Fennel Apple Salad Recipe That’s Irresistibly Crisp

Name: 10-Minute Shaved Fennel Apple Salad Recipe That's Irresistibly Crisp
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly shaved; 1 large apple, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp honey; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Author: Carry

Published: November 5, 2025

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I still remember the first time I tossed shaved fennel and crisp apple slices together – it was one of those happy kitchen accidents that turned into my go-to salad. I’d grabbed what was left in the fridge (a lonely fennel bulb and a slightly bruised Honeycrisp apple) and threw them together with a quick lemon-honey dressing. One bite and I was hooked! The fennel’s subtle licorice bite and the apple’s juicy sweetness played off each other perfectly. Now this shaved fennel apple salad is my secret weapon when I need something fresh, fast, and just a little bit fancy. It’s the kind of dish that looks like you spent ages on it, but really? Ten minutes, one bowl, and zero cooking – that’s my kind of recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Shaved Fennel Apple Salad

This salad is my absolute favorite for so many reasons – let me count the ways!

Lightning fast: You’ll be tossing this together in under 10 minutes (I’ve timed myself!)
Crunch heaven: That perfect crispness from the fennel and apple makes every bite satisfying
Sweet & tangy: The honey-lemon dressing balances the fennel’s subtle bite beautifully
No cooking required: My kind of recipe – just slice, toss, and serve!
Looks fancy: The delicate shaved fennel makes it look restaurant-worthy

Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be making it on repeat like I do!

Ingredients for Shaved Fennel Apple Salad

Let’s talk ingredients – because with something this simple, every little detail matters! You’ll need:

1 medium fennel bulb – look for ones that feel heavy for their size with bright green fronds (save some for garnish!)
1 large apple – I’m partial to Honeycrisp or Fuji here; their crisp texture and sweetness play so nicely with the fennel
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice – please, please use fresh – that bottled stuff just won’t give you the same bright pop
2 tbsp good olive oil – something fruity and mild, nothing too peppery
1 tbsp honey – give it a quick warm in your hands to make whisking easier
A generous pinch each of salt and pepper – don’t skip these flavor boosters!
1/4 cup chopped walnuts – toast them if you’re feeling fancy (I usually am)
1/4 cup crumbled feta – the creamy, salty bits make the whole thing sing

Pro tip: Have everything measured and ready to go before you start slicing – this salad comes together in a flash!

How to Make Shaved Fennel Apple Salad

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making this gorgeous salad! I promise it’s easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a bowl of crisp, refreshing goodness in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Fennel and Apple

First things first – grab your sharpest knife or mandoline (my secret weapon for paper-thin slices). Slice the fennel bulb as thinly as you can – those delicate wispy pieces make all the difference in texture. For the apple, I like to leave the skin on for color and slice it just slightly thicker than the fennel. Immediately toss them together with half the lemon juice – this keeps everything bright and prevents browning while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

Now for the magic potion! In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining lemon juice, olive oil, and honey until it looks like a smooth, golden syrup. This is where I always taste and adjust – sometimes I’ll add an extra drizzle of honey if my apples aren’t super sweet, or a pinch more salt if the fennel is particularly bold.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Time to bring it all together! Pour the dressing over your fennel-apple mixture and toss gently with your hands – I find this distributes everything more evenly than a spoon. Then sprinkle the walnuts and feta over the top in pretty little clusters rather than mixing them in – this keeps their textures distinct. Pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes if you can wait (it makes the flavors meld beautifully), then dig in!

shaved fennel apple salad - detail 1

Tips for Perfect Shaved Fennel Apple Salad

Want to take this salad to the next level? Here are my tried-and-true tricks for making it absolutely perfect every time:

Mandoline magic: If you’ve got one, use it! It gives you those whisper-thin fennel slices that make the salad so elegant.
Apple advice: Stick with crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Granny Smiths can work, but they’ll make the salad more tart.
Freshness fix: Toss the sliced fennel and apple with lemon juice right away – it keeps everything bright and prevents browning.
Toast those nuts: A quick toast on the stovetop brings out the walnuts’ natural oils and adds a lovely crunch.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a salad that’s as stunning as it is delicious!

Variations on Shaved Fennel Apple Salad

One of my favorite things about this salad is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried (and loved):

Nut swap: Try toasted pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different crunch
Cheese change: Creamy goat cheese or tangy blue cheese work beautifully if you’re out of feta
Herb boost: Toss in a handful of fresh mint or dill for an extra pop of freshness
Citrus surprise: Swap half the lemon juice for orange juice in the dressing for a sweeter twist

The best part? Every variation still keeps that perfect balance of crisp, sweet, and tangy that makes this salad so special!

Serving Suggestions for Shaved Fennel Apple Salad

This salad shines as both a star side and supporting player! I love pairing it with simple grilled chicken or seared salmon for an easy weeknight dinner—the crispness cuts through rich flavors perfectly. It’s also my go-to for potlucks (always gets rave reviews!) and makes a refreshing starter before heavier pasta dishes. For brunch, try it alongside quiche—the combination is magic!

Storing Shaved Fennel Apple Salad

This salad is definitely best enjoyed fresh—like, right after you make it fresh. But if you need to store it, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before serving. It’ll stay crisp in the fridge for up to 24 hours, though the fennel might lose a bit of its snap. Trust me, it’s worth the little extra effort to keep it perfect!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in this vibrant salad: Each serving packs about 180 calories with 4g of fiber and 4g of protein – not bad for something that tastes this good! Keep in mind these numbers can shift a bit depending on your exact ingredients (like how generous you are with that delicious feta). What really matters is that you’re getting a big dose of fresh, wholesome goodness in every crisp bite!

FAQ About Shaved Fennel Apple Salad

I get asked about this salad all the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen:

“Can I make this salad ahead?”
Honestly? It’s best made fresh. The fennel and apple lose their perfect crunch if they sit dressed too long. If you must prep ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together right before serving. Trust me, those extra 2 minutes make all the difference!

“What if I don’t have apples?”
No problem! Thinly sliced pears work beautifully – they’ve got that same juicy sweetness. Just use a firmer variety like Bosc or Anjou so they hold up when sliced.

“Any nut-free options?”
Absolutely! Sunflower seeds or pepitas give you that satisfying crunch without the nuts. I sometimes even use crispy chickpeas when I want extra protein.

Still got questions? Just ask – I could talk about this salad all day!