Spinning Top Salad Fennel Herbs (Printer View)

Thinly shaved vegetables and fresh herbs create a vibrant, crisp salad with a refreshing dressing.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium fennel bulb
02 - 2 small rainbow carrots (preferably different colors)
03 - 1 small golden beet, peeled
04 - 1/2 small red onion

→ Herbs & Greens

05 - 1/2 cup fresh dill sprigs
06 - 1/2 cup fresh chervil or parsley leaves
07 - 1/4 cup microgreens

→ Dressing

08 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
10 - 1 tsp honey
11 - 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp vegetable peeler, shave the fennel, carrots, golden beet, and red onion into thin, translucent ribbons.
02 - Immerse the shaved vegetables in ice water for 5 to 10 minutes to enhance crispness and curl the edges, then drain and pat dry.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
04 - Artfully layer the vegetable ribbons in a tight circular pattern on a large platter, allowing edges to overlap and extend outward for a dynamic blurred effect.
05 - Distribute dill sprigs, chervil or parsley leaves, and microgreens over the vegetables, emphasizing the outer edges for a delicate, wispy appearance.
06 - Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the arrangement immediately before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it's honestly just 25 minutes of meditative slicing.
  • Every bite is impossibly crisp and bright—the kind of salad that makes you feel lighter afterward.
  • It works as an elegant starter that steals the show before the main course even arrives.
02 -
  • The ice bath is non-negotiable—it's the difference between limp ribbons and snappy, curled ones that look alive on the plate.
  • Dress it too early and the whole thing collapses; dress it right before serving and it stays beautiful.
03 -
  • Chill your serving plate in the fridge for 10 minutes before plating—it keeps the vegetables colder longer and makes the whole presentation feel intentional.
  • The herbs are what make this look effortless and alive; don't skimp on them or use sad wilted ones from the back of the fridge.
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