If you are looking for a light, crisp and refreshing salad this Fennel, Mango, and Celery Salad is for you! It's easy to put together and topped with olive oil vinaigrette. {gluten free, keto, whole30, paleo, dairy free, vegan}

mango apple and fennel salad on a brown plate with bowl of pecans on side

I've been having produce delivered and I love seeing what they send me each week. It's always a surprise and I enjoy challenging myself to create new recipes out of the produce.

This week I received fennel and I knew I had to make a light, refreshing salad. Fennel looks like a cross between an onion and celery and it has a refreshing anise flavor. It's not overwhelming and it's great to add a crisp, crunchy bite to salads. It also holds up well and does not get soggy with dressing. It has a perfect spring-like flavor.

large fennel bulb on a brown butcherblock board

Health Benefits of Fennel

According to the USDA, fennel contains a fair amount of fiber, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and calcium. It's also a natural form of estrogen. Who knew? It can even help with water retention and digestion because of the high fiber content.

close up of fennel mango and apple salad with dressing

Ingredients

fennel - I used a mandoline to slice mine but that is not necessary. Try to get thin slices but watch your fingers!
apple - I used a Honeycrisp for the extra sweetness but any apple will do. Red ones look great in this salad. The lime juice in the dressing helps to keep the apples from browning.
mango - This adds so much color and even more sweetness.
celery - Slice your celery thin.
pecans - For extra flavor, toast your pecans first if desired. Feel free to sub any nuts in here.
dressing - Dressing is simply made with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt and pepper.

limes, pecans, fennel, mango and celery on a sheet pan

Tips and Tricks

If you plan to store this salad in the refrigerator for a few days do not add the nuts or dress it. Add the dressing right before serving.
You can substitute other nuts if you don't like pecans. Try macadamia nuts, smoked almonds, or pistachios.
If you looking for a short cut, use store-bought dressing. Try a light Italian.
This is the perfect side dish to Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken!

dressing being poured from above onto the fennel salad with pecans

Need more light salads?