Pamela Anderson, renowned for her culinary creativity, has unveiled a delightful recipe to welcome the new year. Her Shaved Fennel and Apple Salad is not only visually appealing but also offers a unique blend of flavors. This dish showcases the perfect harmony between crisp apples and the subtle licorice notes of fennel, enhanced by crispy capers. The salad comes together quickly, thanks to a mandoline slicer, making it an ideal choice for busy yet flavorful dining experiences.
This salad strikes a balance with its combination of sweet, tart, and briny elements. The cool, crunchy apple slices pair beautifully with the aromatic fennel, creating a refreshing texture. Capers add a burst of saltiness that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Anderson emphasizes the importance of using a mandoline for uniform slicing, ensuring each bite is consistently satisfying.
To prepare this elegant dish, start by frying the capers in olive oil until they become crispy. Next, thinly slice the apples and fennel bulbs. Combine these with fresh herbs like dill and parsley, along with lemon zest for an extra zing. Toss everything together gently to ensure even distribution. The dressing, made from apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil, ties all the flavors together seamlessly. Finally, sprinkle the crispy capers over the top for a delightful finish.
One of the standout features of this salad is its quick preparation time. In just 15 minutes, you can have a gourmet-quality dish ready to serve. Anderson recommends using a mandoline slicer to achieve thin, even slices of apple and fennel. She advises wearing a protective glove while using the slicer to avoid accidents. The simplicity of the recipe allows for easy customization based on personal taste preferences.
Begin by heating a small amount of olive oil in a skillet and frying the capers until they are crispy. Set them aside on a paper towel to drain. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples and fennel with finely chopped dill, parsley, lemon zest, black pepper, and flaky sea salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Prepare the dressing by whisking together apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and the remaining olive oil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Transfer the mixture to a serving platter and garnish with the crispy capers. This salad serves six people and is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.