Fennel, Frisée, and Escarole Salad
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
This elegant fennel, frisée and escarole salad is a masterclass in balancing textures and flavours. The natural bitterness of the escarole and curly frisée provides a sophisticated base, which is beautifully offset by the aromatic, aniseed notes of thinly shaved fennel. It is a light and vibrant choice that works particularly well as a palate-cleansing course during a heavy meal or as a fresh accompaniment to roasted meats.
As a nutritious vegetarian dish, this salad relies on high-quality ingredients to shine. The simple citrus dressing, made with fresh lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil, cuts through the richness of the salty Parmigiano-Reggiano shavings. Prepared in just a few minutes, it is an effortless way to bring a touch of seasonal Italian-inspired bistro cooking to your home dinner table.
In this article:
Continue reading below
Ingredients for Fennel, Frisée, and Escarole Salad
45ml minced shallot
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (preferably Meyer lemon)
1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar, or to taste
1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1 small head escarole (350g ), torn into bite-size pieces
1 small head frisée (350g ), torn into bite-size pieces
1 small fennel bulb, quartered and thinly sliced or shaved with an adjustable-blade slicer
60ml fine-quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 (1/2-pound) piece Parmigiano-Reggiano
How to make Fennel, Frisée, and Escarole Salad
Stir together shallot, lemon juice, vinegar, sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoons pepper in a small bowl. Let stand 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, toss together greens and fennel in a salad bowl.
Whisk oil into shallot mixture, then toss with salad. Top with shaved parmesan.
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.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.