Shaved Fennel Salad

Shaved Fennel Salad is a crisp, refreshing salad featuring thinly sliced raw fennel bulb as the star ingredient, often tossed with citrus, olive oil, and sometimes nuts or cheese. It is a staple of Italian cuisine, particularly in Sicily and other Mediterranean regions where fennel thrives. The dish celebrates the vegetable's natural crunch and subtle licorice-like flavor.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This salad is low in carbohydrates and fat, with minimal protein, making it a light, hydrating option. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, with a typical serving containing roughly 80-120 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbs	6 g
Fat	2 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	40 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin C	10 mg
Vitamin A	120 IU
Calcium	45 mg
Magnesium	15 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Manganese	0.15 mg
Folate	15 µg

Per 1 cup (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the salad showcases the Mediterranean philosophy of highlighting a single, seasonal ingredient with simple preparations. Nutritionally, raw fennel is unique for its high content of anethole, a compound also found in anise, which contributes to its distinctive flavor and has been studied for its potential digestive benefits.