Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLombardino's RestaurantInsalata Lombardino Recipe

Insalata Lombardino Recipe

Time20m
Serves4

Mixed greens with slivered red onion, shaved fennel & Italian parsley, dressed with fennel seed vinaigrette

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Ingredients

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Salad

Method

Fennel Seed Vinaigrette

  1. 1

    Toast fennel seeds

    Place a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp fennel seeds and toast, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant and slightly darker, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool briefly.

  2. 2

    Crush seeds

    Using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon on a cutting board, lightly crush the toasted fennel seeds to release oils. You want coarse bits, not a fine powder.

  3. 3

    Combine vinaigrette

    In a small bowl or jar, add the crushed fennel seeds, 2 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp honey, 1 tbsp minced shallot, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Whisk to combine.

  4. 4

    Emulsify

    While whisking vigorously (or with the jar lid on, shake), slowly drizzle in 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or a few drops of vinegar if needed. Set aside at room temperature for flavors to meld, 5 to 10 minutes.

Salad Assembly

  1. 5

    Prepare vegetables

    Trim and very thinly shave the fennel bulb (reserve a few fronds for garnish). Thinly slice the red onion into slivers and soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you prefer a milder onion flavor; drain and pat dry. Coarsely chop the Italian parsley.

  2. 6

    Toss salad

    In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup shaved fennel, 1/2 cup slivered red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Pour about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the fennel seed vinaigrette over the salad (start with less — you can add more). Toss gently and taste; add additional vinaigrette as needed to lightly coat the greens without wilting them.

  3. 7

    Finish and serve

    Transfer the dressed salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Season with 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt (or to taste) and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds and an extra light drizzle (1 tsp) of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.

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