Take a walk on the wild side. If you've never eaten fennel before, you are in for a treat. Think of this as a gourmet coleslaw. Fennel is generally available year round.
Marinade the fennel--One hour before assembly, or the day before:
Slice the fennel bulb thinly with a knife or a mandolin. Dice ½ red onion.
Put the fennel and the onion in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tsp of the sherry vinegar and a pinch of salt and stir together well. Let marinade for an hour or overnight.
On the day you serve it
Segment the cara cara oranges. Cut the cooked beet in ¾ inch cubes. Rough chop the olives. Rough chop the pecans (see note).Add these ingredients to the large bowl.
Toss gently until well mixed.
Rest a small bowl on a damp cloth on your counter. Add the sherry vinegar to the bowl and begin to whisk. As you are whisking, slowly drizzle the olive oi into the bowl while you continue to whisk. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss gently.
Serve on individual plates. Garnish with the delicate fronds that came with the fennel bulb. Beautiful!!!
If you prefer to have a salad with more bite, try adding tajin or a few red pepper flakes to your finished salad.
Notes
From Chef Leander:"Rough Chop" is a larger, less even chop of ingredients. BUDGET TIP: When you purchase nuts, look for "pieces." If you buy the walnuts or pecans whole, you will pay a premium because they look nice. Save those for garnish on cookies and brownies. Pieces are usually a dollar cheaper by the pound.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Shaved Fennel Salad
Serving Size
4 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
232.34
% Daily Value*
Fat
17.02
g
26
%
Saturated Fat
2.02
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
2.9
g
Monounsaturated Fat
11.38
g
Sodium
412.12
mg
18
%
Potassium
371.87
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
20.87
g
7
%
Fiber
5.6
g
23
%
Sugar
14.7
g
16
%
Protein
2.74
g
5
%
Vitamin A
406.56
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
71.88
mg
87
%
Calcium
78.32
mg
8
%
Iron
0.72
mg
4
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.