If you are looking for a good salad that is easy to make and great for a cookout, then look no further. Made with fresh, crisp fennel, this salad has a slight anise flavor (from the fennel) playing against the sweetness of the grapes. The salad can be served with any grilled meat or seafood. It's a lovely alternative to the standard garden salad. 

You can find fennel at the supermarket but I encourage you to look for it at your local farmer's market. That way, you are sure to get the crispiest, freshest fennel. 

Fennel and Grape Salad
Serves 4-6

• 2 fennel bulbs, sliced thin
• 2 cups red and green grapes, sliced in half
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup sliced onion
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

In a large bowl, toss together the fennel, grapes, celery, onion, and parsley. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking. Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss together to mix well.

​The salad can be made up to 1 day ahead of time. Keep refrigerated until read to serve.