Gelatin Free Sliced Fennel with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs
Crisp, anise-scented fennel gets the simple treatment it deserves here — thinly sliced into delicate half-moons and tossed with grassy extra-virgin olive oil, a bright splash of apple cider vinegar, and a handful of fresh herbs. The short rest time is the quiet genius of this dish: just five minutes lets the fennel soften slightly and drink up the dressing without losing that satisfying crunch. Torn mint and flat-leaf parsley add a garden-fresh lift, and the reserved fennel fronds scattered on top make it look like something you'd order at a nice bistro. For anyone navigating a gelatin-free lifestyle, this kind of recipe is a breath of fresh air — every single ingredient is exactly what it says it is, with no hidden additives or thickeners to second-guess. It works beautifully as a light starter, a refreshing side alongside grilled fish or roasted chicken, or even piled onto a cheese board for something unexpected. The whole thing comes together with a knife, a bowl, and ingredients you can feel genuinely good about.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 medium fennel bulbs (about 1 ½ lb total), stalks trimmed, fronds reserved
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Halve each fennel bulb through the root end, then cut out the tough core with a V-shaped cut. Using a mandoline set to 1/8-inch or a sharp chef's knife, slice each half crosswise into thin, even half-moons.
- 2
Place the sliced fennel in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and apple cider vinegar, then sprinkle with the sea salt. Toss gently until every slice is coated.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!