25 Ways To Use The Veggie You’re Probably Ignoring

Fennel is the veggie that’s been lurking in the back of the produce aisle, ignored by most of us. It’s time to give this underdog some well-deserved attention because fennel can do way more than you’d think. From salads to soups to side dishes with a twist, fennel’s got this crisp, slightly sweet thing going on that can take a dish from “meh” to memorable.

Radicchio Endive Fennel Salad

Radicchio, endive, and fennel come together in a tangy herb dressing, creating a salad with crunch and bold flavors. Light and refreshing, this salad is great as a side or paired with grilled proteins.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Fennel Salad

Chilled Cherry Fennel Soup

This chilled cherry and fennel soup is a slightly sweet, tangy option perfect for warm weather. Fennel’s mild flavor shines through, making it an unexpected but great pairing with cherries for a refreshing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Chilled Cherry Fennel Soup

Grilled Pork Chops with Grapes & Fennel

Grilled pork chops with a side of grilled grape and fennel salad make for an easy yet elegant meal. Fennel’s crispness complements the smoky chops, bringing a little extra flair to a classic dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Grapes & Fennel

Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

Creamy carrot soup with fresh fennel and cannellini beans creates a hearty, filling bowl. Great for spring, fennel’s fresh notes balance the creamy beans and carrots without overpowering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad

Pickled fennel meets citrus and pomegranates for a winter salad that’s bright and punchy. Tossed in an orange dijon vinaigrette, this salad shows off fennel’s versatility, perfect for adding a refreshing crunch to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad

Sardine Pasta Recipe from Sicily

Sardine pasta with fennel brings a bold taste straight from Sicily. This dish is all about simple ingredients with big flavors, using fennel to bring a fresh, anise note to a classic Mediterranean combo. Great for those looking to mix up their pasta game.
Get the Recipe: Sardine Pasta Recipe from Sicily

Warm Sorghum Salad with Kohlrabi, Apple, & Fennel

This sorghum salad throws in roasted kohlrabi, apple, and fennel for a hearty and comforting meal. Fennel’s slight sweetness pairs up nicely here, making this a perfect cozy option when you’re ready for something beyond the usual salad.
Get the Recipe: Warm Sorghum Salad with Kohlrabi, Apple, & Fennel

Fennel-Cucumber Bites with Creamy Tuna

Crunchy fennel and cucumber topped with a creamy tuna mix bring a quick, refreshing bite. A no-fuss appetizer that uses fennel’s crisp texture to balance the salty, savory tuna—ideal for last-minute gatherings or an easy snack.
Get the Recipe: Fennel-Cucumber Bites with Creamy Tuna

Quick-Braised Fennel with Sweet Peaches and Almonds

This braised fennel side pairs perfectly with juicy peaches, creating a dish that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Fennel brings a mellow flavor that complements any main meal, especially when you’re craving something a bit different in the veggie department.
Get the Recipe: Quick-Braised Fennel with Sweet Peaches and Almonds

Shaved Fennel Salad

Shaved fennel, oranges, cranberries, and walnuts come together for a salad that’s crisp and refreshing. With a simple citrus dressing, this salad brings out fennel’s best qualities, making it a fresh pick for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Fennel Salad

Fennel + Onion Gratin

This fennel and onion gratin is loaded with cheesy, crispy goodness. Fennel and onions melt down beautifully, mixed with Pecorino, thyme, and breadcrumbs for a dish that’s great for colder months or holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Fennel + Onion Gratin

Sicilian Fennel Orange Salad

This quick Sicilian salad combines fennel with oranges and pistachios, creating a fresh and crunchy mix that’s ready in minutes. A simple but great way to let fennel shine in a salad that tastes like summer.
Get the Recipe: Sicilian Fennel Orange Salad

Slow Roasted Salmon with Orange + Fennel

Slow roasting salmon with fennel and orange brings out rich flavors while keeping the fish buttery soft. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for weeknights when you want a balanced dish without a ton of effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Roasted Salmon with Orange + Fennel

Mediterranean Diet Orange and Fennel Salad

This orange and fennel salad is all about fresh flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s a go-to for summer lunches or a light side that brings out fennel’s crisp, juicy qualities.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Diet Orange and Fennel Salad

Baked Whole Salmon Fillet with Citrus and Fennel

Baked salmon with citrus and fennel is great for feeding a crowd. Cooking the salmon with fennel and orange keeps it juicy and flavorful, making it a perfect choice for holidays or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Whole Salmon Fillet with Citrus and Fennel

Fennel and Apple Slaw

This fennel and apple slaw is crisp, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Tossed in a creamy coleslaw dressing, it’s a fun spin on classic slaw and works perfectly as a side for burgers or BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Apple Slaw

Spatchcock Roast Chicken

Spatchcock roast chicken with fennel is an easy, juicy one-pot dinner that brings great flavors together with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or weeknights when you want something hearty in just an hour.
Get the Recipe: Spatchcock Roast Chicken

Orange & Fennel Salad

Bright and tangy, this orange and fennel salad is super refreshing with a quick orange dressing. It’s a great choice for a side dish when you’re in the mood for something light and crisp.
Get the Recipe: Orange & Fennel Salad

Butternut Squash, Apple and Fennel Tian

This butternut squash, apple, and fennel tian is a showstopper of a side that’s surprisingly easy to throw together. Great for fall dinners, this dish brings fennel to the spotlight with cozy flavors and beautiful presentation.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash, Apple, and Fennel Tian

Fennel Apple Pie

Fennel and apple team up for a pie that’s as flavorful as it is unexpected. The fennel’s subtle sweetness brings a new twist to apple pie, making this dessert a standout for fall.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Fennel Apple Pie

Creamy Fennel and White Bean Soup

A creamy white bean soup with fennel that’s smooth and comforting. Fennel adds a gentle, fresh taste to the hearty beans, making this soup perfect for chilly days when you want something filling but light.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Fennel and White Bean Soup

Crispy Chicken with Fennel Arugula Salad

This crispy chicken pairs up with a fennel and arugula salad for a light yet flavorful meal. Packed with capers, red onion, and lemony goodness, this dish balances crunch and freshness—perfect for an easy dinner with a bit of zing.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken with Fennel Arugula Salad

Grilled Romaine Salad with Strawberries and Fennel Vinaigrette

Grilled romaine topped with strawberries and fennel vinaigrette brings smoky and sweet flavors together in a salad that’s anything but basic. Great for summer grilling, this salad is a fun way to mix up your greens.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Romaine Salad with Strawberries and Fennel Vinaigrette

Warm Roasted Fennel Salad With Peppers, Chorizo & Orange

Roasted fennel joins peppers, onions, chorizo, and a touch of orange in this hearty salad that works as a meal or side. It’s a punchy dish with fennel’s distinct flavor standing out alongside bold ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Warm Roasted Fennel Salad With Peppers, Chorizo & Orange

Easy Sausage and Fennel Pasta

This fennel and sausage pasta is a quick, one-pan meal perfect for busy nights. Fennel’s fresh flavor cuts through the richness of the sausage, creating a balanced and satisfying dinner in no time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sausage and Fennel Pasta