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}
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.
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.
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.
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!
Need more light salads?
- Marinated Tomato Basil Salad
- Keto Cucumber Salad
- Strawberry and Feta Salad with Pecans
- Watermelon and Cucumber Salad
If you make this recipe, let me know what you think! I’d love it if you could add a star rating ★ and a comment below. Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, too!
Fennel, Mango and Celery Salad
Ingredients
- 1 fennel bulb sliced thin
- 3 celery stalks sliced thin
- 2 small apples sliced thin
- 1 mango sliced thin
- ¼ cup pecans
- chopped fennel fronds optional
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk the dressing ingredients together.
- Toss all salad ingredients in a medium bowl and add dressing. Toss gently.
- If you are storing this to serve later do not add nuts or dressing until right before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Adapted from The New York Times.
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