Fennel and White Bean Salad is a delightful dish that perfectly blends the earthiness of white beans with the crisp freshness of fennel, complemented by the tangy notes of lemon juice and the savory kick of pecorino Romano cheese. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packs a nutritional punch, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, quick meals, or refrigerated snacks. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a dish that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups white beans
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 fennel bulb
- 1/4 cup pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beans: Start by rinsing and draining the white beans thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine the beans with the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir gently to ensure that the beans are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Marinate the Beans: Allow the beans to marinate at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together and develop, resulting in a more vibrant and delicious salad.
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Prepare the Fennel: While the beans are marinating, prepare the fennel bulb. Trim off the stalks and fronds, reserving some fronds for garnish if desired. Cut the fennel bulb in half lengthwise, then thinly slice it crosswise into half-moons. You can also use a mandoline for more uniform slices.
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Assemble the Salad: After the beans have marinated, add the sliced fennel, grated pecorino Romano cheese, chopped almonds, and chopped flat-leaf parsley to the bowl with the beans. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
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Serve: Transfer the salad to a platter or serving bowl, arranging it in an attractive manner. Garnish with some reserved fennel fronds for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the salad immediately as a side dish or refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 259.9 per serving
- Fat Content: 15.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 19.7mg
- Sodium Content: 338.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 18.4g
- Fiber Content: 5.3g
- Sugar Content: 0.8g
- Protein Content: 13.1g
This Fennel and White Bean Salad recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a light and healthy meal option. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe to whip up for a potluck or a flavorful dish to keep in the refrigerator for convenient snacking, this salad is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more with its combination of textures and flavors. Enjoy the simplicity and versatility of this delicious salad, and feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or additional herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
