In the height of summer the last place I want to be is standing over a hot stove in a cooped up kitchen when I can be enjoying al fresco dining out on the patio with my favorite no-cook dishes! I've been gravitating towards no-cook meals more often than not, which usually consists of refreshing, flavorful salads featuring Ocean Mist Farms vegetables like fresh fennel.
If you haven't tried fennel, it is part of the anise family with a slight licorice flavor and a crunch similar to celery. Fennel is a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich vegetable and very typical part of traditional Italian cuisine.
One of my favorite ways to highlight fennel's flavor is in this Fennel Salad with Pomegranate. This fresh salad has the perfect taste, texture, and beautiful color that make it a stunning addition to any table setting.
Fennel, Tangerine & Spinach Salad
Pair fresh fennel rings with juicy tangerines with this Fennel, Tangerine & Spinach Salad for a sweet, tangy, and crispy side dish. For the perfect no-cook meal, serve alongside tuna or chicken salad.
If you're looking for something a little more subtle, this Citrus-Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon-Fennel Vinaigrette swaps out fresh fennel for fennel pollen or fennel seeds for a flavorful dressing that also pairs perfectly with fish or chicken. The salad base highlights fresh Ocean Mist Farms Brussels Sprouts, another one of my summer salad favorites. Pro-tip: Find our Season & Steam™ shredded Brussels sprouts in stores for even less prep work!
Beat the heat with these quick, no-cook summer sides and spend more time soaking up the sun. Do you like cooking with fennel? Share your favorite recipes with me on social media!