The Fennel and Lamb’s Lettuce Salad with sun-dried tomatoes is a light and refreshing dish, perfect for a summer lunch or as a tasty side dish. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a versatile and healthy option.
The salad can be enriched with other ingredients such as oranges, apples, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or smoked salmon.
The dressing can vary from a simple vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil and lemon to more elaborate sauces with yogurt or mustard.
I chose to add grilled tofu cubes, but if you don’t like it, you can replace it with shavings of Grana Padano cheese.
This salad is a burst of colors and textures, a perfect blend of the crunchiness of the fennel, the delicacy of the lamb’s lettuce, the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes, and the texture of grilled tofu. A dish that satisfies the palate and is good for the body, thanks to its nutritional properties and the lightness of the ingredients.
It’s a great option for those looking for a healthy, tasty, and easy-to-make dish.
Let’s see how to make the recipe for Chickpea, Cherry Tomato, Zucchini, and Feta Salad. Gather the ingredients and let’s begin.
And if you try it, don’t forget to let me know in the comments on my Facebook page HERE. I’m waiting for you.
Gabriella
Other tasty recipes to try:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 1 fennel (if large or 2 small)
- 1.76 oz lamb's lettuce (songino)
- 6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil (or 7)
- 1.76 oz tofu (optional – or Grana Padano shavings to taste)
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- lemon juice (optional)
Tools
- 1 Mandoline
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Grill Pan
Steps
First, slice the tofu into pieces about 1/4 inch thick. Meanwhile, heat the grill pan (or a grill or non-stick frying pan), drizzle the tofu with extra virgin olive oil and grill it until golden on both sides, then cut it into cubes.
Rinse the fennel under running water and trim the stalks down to the base. Cut the fennel in half and remove the tougher outer leaves. Using a sharp knife (or a mandoline), slice it into thin strips lengthwise.
Drain the sun-dried tomatoes from oil and chop them into pieces, then rinse the lamb’s lettuce and gently pat it dry with a clean towel.
In a large bowl, mix the fennel, lamb’s lettuce, and sun-dried tomatoes, add the diced grilled tofu, and season with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and, if you like, some lemon juice.
Here is the Fennel and Lamb’s Lettuce Salad ready. Enjoy your meal!
Until the next recipe
Storage
You can store the Fennel and Lamb’s Lettuce Salad in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, in an airtight container. However, it is best to consume it immediately after preparation to fully enjoy its freshness and texture. The lamb’s lettuce, once dressed, tends to wilt quickly, losing its crispness.
If possible, dress the salad just before serving. This way, the lamb’s lettuce will retain its freshness longer.
Tips and Suggestions
– To enhance the flavor of the fennel, it is advisable to slice it thinly and dress it with lemon juice to prevent oxidation.
– Lamb’s lettuce should be washed gently to avoid damaging its leaves. Also, it is very delicate, so pay particular attention to its storage. You can store it in a paper bag in the refrigerator, or wash it, dry it carefully, and store it in a container with a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture.
– For an extra crunch, you can add toasted nuts or seeds.
– For an extra flavor boost, marinate the tofu in a sauce made of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and spices before grilling.
Description of Ingredients
– Fennel: crunchy and aromatic, provides a fresh and slightly sweet note to the salad. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and have digestive and purifying properties.
– Lamb’s Lettuce: delicate and slightly bitter, adds a touch of freshness and lightness to the salad. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and has relaxing and calming properties.
– Sun-Dried Tomatoes: sweet and flavorful, add a touch of color and taste to the salad. They are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and in vitamins and minerals.
– Grilled Tofu: a source of plant proteins, adds texture and flavor to the salad. Grilled, it has a crunchy exterior and soft interior. It is rich in proteins, calcium, and iron.
IF YOU LIKE MY RECIPES, YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW ME ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE HERE OR ON PINTEREST HERE OR EVEN ON INSTAGRAM HERE
Return to the Home Page to read other recipes
Curiosities and Properties of Fennel
When purchasing them, always check that they are whole, without cuts, with the leaf sheath compact and crunchy. The best are the younger specimens, freshly picked, recognizable by their slightly prominent veins and bright white color.
They are very suitable for low-calorie diets, as they provide very few calories and satisfy, while simultaneously providing a good supply of fiber.
