Crab and Fennel Salad

An elegant salad featuring delicate jumbo lump crabmeat paired with shaved fennel, fresh herbs, and baby lettuces, dressed in a fennel seed and lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or light meal.

2 servings
30 min

Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons mild extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 bulb fennel bulb
  • ¼ lb jumbo lump crabmeat
  • 2 teaspoons fresh chives
  • 1 cup baby lettuces
  • amaranth
  • lolla rossa
  • red basil
  • equipment

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Finely grind fennel seeds in grinder, then whisk together with salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil in a slow stream, whisking until combined.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Shave fennel bulb with slicer crosswise into paper-thin slices until you have enough to measure 1 packed cup. (Halve bulb lengthwise if too large for slicer.) Toss with 2 teaspoons vinaigrette in another small bowl.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Toss crabmeat with chives and 1 tablespoon vinaigrette in a third small bowl.

    3 min

  4. 4.

    Put each metal ring in center of a salad plate. Divide crab mixture between them, pressing down on it lightly with your fingertips.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Toss lettuces with fennel mixture and divide between rings, pressing slightly without flattening tops.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    Drizzle remaining vinaigrette and remaining tablespoon oil around plates. Remove rings before serving.

    2 min

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