Fennel and Shrimp Salad

Fennel and Shrimp Salad Recipe - A Flavorful and Healthy Dish

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fennel and Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the unique taste of fennel with succulent shrimp and citrus fruits. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

The combination of fennel and shrimp in a salad is a classic Mediterranean dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Fennel is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its distinct anise-like flavor and crunchy texture. Shrimp, on the other hand, adds a delicious seafood element to the salad. The citrus fruits in the salad provide a refreshing and tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the fennel and shrimp.

Ingredients

1 pomelo or large white grapefruit
1 orange
freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tbsp salad oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves of garlic, minced
0.13 tsp white pepper
2 medium fennel bulbs
1 medium onion
1 tbsp cooking oil
24 medium cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp
bibb lettuce

How to prepare

Section the pomelo or grapefruit and orange over a small bowl to catch the juices. Add enough fresh orange juice to equal 0.25 cup.
For the dressing, add salad oil, honey, lime juice, lemon juice, garlic, and white pepper to the reserved juices.
Whisk until combined and set the dressing aside.
Cook the fennel and onion in hot cooking oil for 2 minutes, then cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, rinse the shrimp and pat them dry.
Cook the shrimp in boiling water for about 2 minutes or until they turn opaque, then drain.
Rinse the shrimp with cold water and drain again.
Arrange the lettuce on 4 plates.
Place the onion and fennel mixture in the center and arrange the shrimp, pomelo or grapefruit sections, and orange sections around the center.
Drizzle with the dressing.

Variations

Add some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for extra flavor.
Substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add some toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the shrimp just until they turn opaque to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.

- Be sure to rinse the shrimp with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from overcooking.

- For a more intense citrus flavor, you can add some zest from the orange and grapefruit to the dressing.

- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as avocado, cherry tomatoes, or olives.

Serving Suggestions

This Fennel and Shrimp Salad can be served as a light lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a citrusy cocktail. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled fish or chicken.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Sautéing

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the grapefruit with pomelo or blood orange.

- If you don't have fennel, you can use celery or cucumber as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and cook the shrimp ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to save time. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs and citrus zest for a beautiful presentation. Serve the salad in individual bowls or plates for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Fennel and Shrimp Salad pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a sparkling water infused with citrus fruits.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 18g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 70% DV

- Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

- Calcium: 10% DV

Alergens

Shellfish

Summary

This Fennel and Shrimp Salad is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Fennel and Shrimp Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its combination of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, with a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of the fennel plants in my garden. I had just finished harvesting a fresh batch of fennel bulbs, and I knew I wanted to create something special with them.

As I stood in my kitchen, pondering what to make, I remembered a conversation I had with a dear friend many years ago. She had shared with me her recipe for fennel and shrimp salad, a dish she had learned to make during her travels in Italy. The thought of those crisp fennel bulbs paired with plump, juicy shrimp immediately sparked my interest.

I quickly gathered the ingredients I would need: fresh shrimp, fennel bulbs, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a handful of fresh herbs from my garden. I set to work, peeling and deveining the shrimp, slicing the fennel into thin strips, and halving the cherry tomatoes. As I worked, the fragrant aroma of the fennel filled the kitchen, transporting me back to that sunny day in Italy where my friend had first tasted this dish.

I sautéed the shrimp in a hot pan with a splash of olive oil, just until they were pink and cooked through. In a large bowl, I tossed together the fennel, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion, adding a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. I then added the cooked shrimp to the bowl, along with a drizzle of lemon juice and a handful of chopped fresh herbs.

As I took my first bite of the fennel and shrimp salad, I was overwhelmed by the burst of flavors in my mouth. The crisp, licorice-like taste of the fennel was perfectly complemented by the sweet, succulent shrimp and the tangy lemon dressing. It was a dish that spoke of sunny days and lazy afternoons, of laughter and shared meals with loved ones.

I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would turn to time and time again when I wanted to capture the essence of summer in a single bite. And so, I shared the recipe with my family and friends, passing down not just the ingredients and instructions, but the memories and stories that made it truly special.

Years passed, and the fennel and shrimp salad became a beloved tradition in our family. My children and grandchildren would request it for special occasions, and I would smile as I watched them savor each mouthful, knowing that they were tasting not just a delicious dish, but a piece of my heart and soul.

And so, as I look back on that fateful day when I first discovered this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the friend who shared it with me, and for the memories and moments it has brought into my life. Cooking is more than just following a set of instructions – it is a way of connecting with the past, of sharing love and joy with those we hold dear. And in that sense, this fennel and shrimp salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.