Shaved Fennel & Clementine Slaw
A vibrant, refreshing slaw combining the crisp texture and subtle anise flavor of shaved fennel with the sweet, bright notes of clementine, all tossed in a light citrus-herb vinaigrette.
For 4 servings
Prepare Fennel: Trim the fronds and the tough base from the fennel bulb. Using a mandoline on a thin setting or a very sharp knife, thinly shave the bulb into translucent slices. Place the shaved fennel in a large mixing bowl.
Prepare Clementines: Zest one clementine (optional, for extra aromatic brightness). Then, working over a small bowl to catch any stray juice, use a sharp paring knife to peel all four clementines, removing all white pith. Carefully cut between the membranes to release the segments (supremes) from three clementines. Squeeze the juice from the remaining clementine into a separate small jar or bowl.
Prepare Parsley: Finely chop the fresh parsley. Add the clementine segments and chopped parsley to the bowl with the shaved fennel.
Make the Dressing: To the clementine juice in the jar, add the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional maple syrup. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until well combined and emulsified, or whisk thoroughly in a small bowl.
Dress the Slaw: Pour the prepared dressing over the fennel, clementine segments, and parsley in the large mixing bowl.
Toss and Serve: Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For best flavor, let the slaw sit for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a mandoline for perfectly thin, uniform fennel slices, which ensures a delicate texture and better absorption of the dressing.
- 2When segmenting clementines, do it over the main mixing bowl or a separate bowl to catch all the delicious juice.
- 3For enhanced flavor, allow the slaw to sit for 10-15 minutes after dressing. This gives the fennel a chance to slightly soften and absorb the vinaigrette.
- 4Taste the dressing before adding it to the slaw and adjust the balance of sweet, tangy, and salty to your preference.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Swap
Replace parsley with fresh mint or dill for a different aromatic twist that complements the fennel and citrus.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Add 1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds, pistachios, or walnuts for extra texture and healthy fats.
Cheese AdditionCheese Addition
Crumble in 1/4 cup of goat cheese or feta for a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the crisp vegetables.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Digestive Health
Fennel is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health, while also containing anethole, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin C Boost
Clementines are packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, helps in collagen production, and protects cells from damage.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to reduce bad cholesterol levels and support overall cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
This slaw is best served fresh for maximum crispness. However, you can prep the fennel and clementines up to 2 hours ahead and store them separately. Dress just before serving.
