The Italians often enjoy fennel the way North Americans eat celery: raw in salads. This salad is aromatic and crisp with a fresh lemon dressing.

Makes 6 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 20 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 50 minutes (including chilling time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

4 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
4 bulbs fresh fennel
4 ounces mushrooms, trimmed and quartered
1 2-by-1/2-inch strip lemon zest, julienned
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Steam beans for 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Rinse under cold water. Place them in a salad bowl.
2. Trim fennel leaves, reserving 2 Tbsp. minced leaves. Slice the stalks. Quarter bulb lengthwise, remove core and thinly slice. Add to the salad bowl along with mushrooms and lemon zest. Whisk vinegar, water, lemon juice and oil in a small bowl until well blended. Pour the dressing over the salad and add the reserved fennel leaves. Toss lightly. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 83 calories; 3 g fat (0 g sat, 2 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 6 g fiber; 85 mg sodium; 753 mg potassium.

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving