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Escarole, Fennel, and Oak-Leaf Salad

This elegant escarole, fennel and oak-leaf salad offers a sophisticated balance of textures and flavours, making it a standout vegan starter or a refreshing side dish for a weekend lunch. The bitter notes of the pale escarole hearts are perfectly offset by the natural sweetness of the oak-leaf lettuce and the aromatic, aniseed crunch of thinly shaved fennel. It is a light, vibrant dish that celebrates seasonal produce with a professional finish.

The real secret to this recipe lies in the cider reduction dressing, which provides a rich, syrupy depth that shop-bought vinaigrettes simply cannot match. By reducing unfiltered apple cider, you create a complex glaze that binds the salad together beautifully. Serve this alongside crusty sourdough or as a crisp accompaniment to a savoury tart for a wholesome, plant-based meal that feels truly special.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Escarole, Fennel, and Oak-Leaf Salad

  • 180ml apple cider (preferably unfiltered)

  • 1 (3/4-lb) fennel bulb (sometimes labeled "anise"), stalks discarded and bulb quartered lengthwise

  • 40ml cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped shallot

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

  • 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2875ml loosely packed small or torn tender pale escarole leaves (from hearts of 2 heads)

  • 170g small oak-leaf lettuce leaves or other tender lettuce such as Boston (2875ml loosely packed)

  • an adjustable-blade slicer

How to make Escarole, Fennel, and Oak-Leaf Salad

Boil apple cider in a small saucepan or skillet over moderate heat until reduced to about 2 tablespoons , 5 to 8 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

Shave fennel into 1/8-inch-thick slices with slicer.

Whisk together reduced cider syrup, vinegar, shallot, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then add oil, whisking to combine. Toss with fennel, escarole, and lettuce in a large bowl just before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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