ROCKET AND FENNEL SALAD WITH SHAVED PARMESAN

Oct 4, 2012

smitten ⋅ gluten free, quick and easy, side salads, sides ⋅ arugula, dijon, fennel, parmesan, salad ⋅ 5 comments

•Rocket is just a fancy name for arugula, but rocket sounds so much more exciting and international.  I love all of the flavors that are in this salad; peppery arugula (rocket), spicy dijon, crunchy licorice flavored fennel, bright lemon and the delicious salty parmesan cheese.  Arugula and fennel are in season right now, so this is a great fall salad.  Could add some grilled chicken to make if more of a meal or serve with some garlic bread for a light lunch.

1 lb of arugula

1 large fennel bulb

2 small shallots-finely minced

2 garlic clove-finely minced

3 tbls dijon mustard

2 lemons-zested and juiced (buy 1 extra just in case your lemon is stingy on the juice)

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

wedge of parmesan

 

this make a big bowl full, cut in half for two people

prep time -30 min

 

Rinse and spin dry the arugula, pour into a large bowl.

For the fennel-using a mandoline or very sharp knife, first cut off the tops, cut in quarters, cut out the core then thinly slice lengthwise.  Add to the bowl with the arugula.

With a vegetable peeler, shave thin strips of parmesan-as much as you like.  Add to the bowl with the arugula and fennel.

In a seperate bowl, whisk together the dijon, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, shallot and garlic.

Slowly pour in the olive oil and whisk until combined and thick. 

Taste for seasoning-I would suggest adding more pepper or a squeeze of lemon in you like, but not salt.  The parmesan is plenty salty.  This is a strong dressing and should be VERY lemony.  Don’t panic, it all balances out with the arugula and fennel.

Toss the dressing into the salad, coating well.  Can sit a minute or two.  Serve with some grilled bread for a nice light lunch♥Enjoy