Crunchy Romaine Salad with Fennel

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Fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavor, this Crunchy Romaine Salad with Fennel is the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The refreshing crunch of romaine pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of fennel, all tied together by a zesty lemon dressing and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Whether you’re looking for a light starter or a side dish to impress, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

A single serving of crunchy romaine salad with fennel in a bowl beside a larger serving bowl.

There is nothing like a light, fresh salad topped with a zesty vinaigrette to accompany a meal. Salads are refreshing and versatile, pairing effortlessly with just about any dish. This particular salad is the perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavor, proving that less really can be more. The crisp romaine provides a satisfying crunch, while the fennel adds a unique, bright, and slightly sweet note that takes it to the next level.

What makes this salad stand out is its ability to act as a palate cleanser without being bland or forgettable. The lemon dressing, with its perfect blend of tartness and sweetness, ties everything together in a way that feels effortless yet refined. While additional toppings like veggies, green onions, croutons, nuts or dried fruit can add texture, they’re entirely optional—the salad is delicious and complete just as it is. It’s a wonderful choice for those seeking something light and vibrant to complement their meal.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations/ Substitutions
Equipment
Leftovers /Storage
Top Tips
Serving Suggestions
FAQ
Related
RECIPE

Ingredients

Romaine Lettuce – Choose a head with crisp, vibrant green leaves and no signs of wilting. Wash and dry thoroughly before chopping.
Fennel – Look for a firm, white bulb without brown spots. Remove the stalks and fronds, and slice the bulb thinly for the best texture.
Lemon – Use a fresh lemon for juicing to get the brightest flavor. Roll the lemon on the counter before juicing to release more juice.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Select a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor since it’s a key part of the dressing.
Parmesan Cheese – Shred fresh Parmesan for the best texture and taste. Pre-shredded cheese is not as flavorful.
Garlic Powder – You can use freshly minced garlic but garlic powder has a milder flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper – Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best seasoning results.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Chopped lettuce is on a cutting board and a lemon dressing is prepared in a small bowl.

Step 1: Chop the lettuce and fennel and prepare the dressing.

Lettuce and cheese are combined in a wooden salad bowl.

Step 2: Combine the lettuce, fennel and parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Dressing is added to the salad in the bowl.

Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad.

Romaine lettuce and dressing are well combined in a serving bowl.

Step 4: Toss well to combine before serving.

Hint: Wash the lettuce but dry it thoroughly with paper towels or a salad spinner to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Variations/ Substitutions

Greens – Swap romaine for spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a different base texture and flavor.
Fennel – If fennel isn’t your favorite, use thinly sliced celery or cucumber for a similar crunch.
Cheese – Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano, crumbled feta, or goat cheese for a twist on the flavor profile.
Dressing – Add a teaspoon of honey or Dijon mustard to the lemon dressing for extra sweetness or tang.
Toppings – Sprinkle toasted nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) for added crunch.
Herbs – Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil can brighten the salad and complement the fennel.
Protein Additions – Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
Citrus – Use lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a different citrusy kick.

Equipment

When making this salad, a large bowl is essential for tossing and serving. It gives you plenty of space to evenly coat the greens and fennel with the dressing without spilling over the edges. I personally love using a wooden bowl—it not only looks beautiful for serving, but the natural material adds a rustic charm and feels sturdy in your hands. Pair it with a great set of salad tongs to make tossing easy and serving effortless, ensuring every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.

Leftovers /Storage

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored undressed if you’re preparing it in advance. Simply keep the salad components and dressing separate in airtight containers, and toss them together just before serving.

Leftovers that have already been dressed should be consumed within 24 hours, though the romaine may lose some of its crispness and become slightly soggy. If that happens, don’t toss it—use the leftovers as a flavorful topping for sandwiches or wraps, where the softened texture works perfectly!

Top Tips

Wash and dry the romaine and fennel ahead of time, then store them in airtight containers to keep everything fresh and crisp. Just toss with the dressing when you're ready to serve.
Fennel can be tough if sliced too thick. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice it thinly for the best texture and flavor.
The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days. If it separates, simply whisk it again before using.
When mixing the salad, toss it gently to avoid wilting the lettuce or breaking apart the delicate fennel slices.
Before serving, taste the salad and add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. This will ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This Crunchy Romaine Salad with Fennel makes a fantastic side or light meal, but you can easily turn it into a full dish by serving juicy cast iron skillet chicken breast on top for added protein and flavor. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken breasts and potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal, or with a side of quick garlic butter noodles for a deliciously easy combo. If you're in the mood for steak, try it alongside air fryer steak bites with garlic butter for a flavorful, savory feast.

FAQ

Can I make this crunchy romaine salad with fennel in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time. Just store the chopped romaine and fennel separately from the dressing to keep everything fresh. Toss the salad and add the dressing just before serving.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

You can substitute the romaine with other greens like spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. Each will provide a slightly different flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of fennel?

If you don't have fennel or prefer not to use it, try substituting with thinly sliced celery or cucumber. These will add crunch, but the flavor will be milder.

A large bowl of crunchy romaine salad with fennel.

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