American Easy

Apple and Fennel Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese

Name: Apple and Fennel Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese
Prep time: PT20MINUTES
Total time: PT30MINUTES
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large cucumber (peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced thin); 1 small fennel bulb (halved, cored, and sliced thin); 2 medium apples (cored and sliced thin); 1/4 small red onion (sliced very thin); 1 tbsp fresh tarragon (minced); 1 head Bibb or Boston lettuce (leaves torn into bite-size pieces); 1/2 tsp salt; 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp cider vinegar; 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted and chopped); 4 oz goat cheese (crumbled); to taste as needed black pepper

A crisp, multi-textured salad with a bright tarragon vinaigrette

vegetariangluten-freequicksaladamerican

— (0 ratings)

⏱️ 30 minutes Total Time

🍽️ 4 Serves

310 Calories

7g Protein

18g Carbs

24g Fat

Why This Recipe Works

Salting the cucumbers is a small but vital step that prevents the dressing from thinning out. The combination of licorice-scented fennel, tart apples, and creamy goat cheese creates a sophisticated balance of flavors and textures.

Instructions

Toss the cucumber with the salt in a colander and let it drain for 15 minutes. This step draws out excess water so the salad stays crisp rather than soggy.

Whisk the oil and vinegar together in a large bowl until well combined. Add the drained cucumber, fennel, apples, onion, and tarragon, then toss to coat and let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Add the lettuce and walnuts to the bowl and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with goat cheese and serve immediately while the greens are still fresh and crisp.