Grilled Fennel Salad

Fennel can be an acquired taste.  I love it for its refreshing flavor and fresh crunch.  In most cases fennel is eaten raw but in this recipe it is marinated and grilled.  Combined with some fresh ingredients this wonderful salad is a departure from your everyday lettuce.



Ingredients



1 fennel bulb, stalks removed and cut in 1/4 inch thick slices

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half

1/2 cup fresh raspberries

1 clove of garlic finely chopped

2 mint leaves finely chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar

3 Tbsp..Orange juice

Sea salt

Fresh cracked black pepper



Marinade/Dressing



Combine tomatoes, raspberries , garlic, mint, oil, vinegar, orange juice, salt and pepper in a bowl.

Add sliced fennel to marinade and set aside for at least 1 hour.



***Pre heat grill to high heat***



Remove fennel from marinade and place on hot grill cooking for 8 minutes on each side.

Fennel should be slightly charred and soft but still al dente.

Plate fennel, cover with remaining marinade and set aside for 10 minutes.

This dish can be served warm or cold!

For a little more kick, add crumbled feta cheese on top.



With fresh, savory and sweet flavors this has summer written all over it. This salad makes a great side dish for grilled meats and fish.



Prep. time 10 minutes plus 1 hour marinating.

Cooking time 16 minutes