Mussel Salad with Fennel, Chickpeas, and Dill Vinaigrette
This recipe for Mussel Salad with Fennel, Chickpeas, and Dill Vinaigrette makes a main-course salad that is full of protein.
About This Recipe
Makes: Six cups or about two servings
Skill Level: Easy
Mussels cooked with chickpeas are a staple in kitchens across many countries, and the appeal is most likely the contrast between the nutty, creamy chickpeas and the plump, briny mussels. This recipe builds on the chickpea-and-mussels tradition but incorporates the ingredients into a main-course salad with a dill vinaigrette.
Adapted from The Magic of Tinned Fish by Chris McDade (Artisan Books). Copyright ©️ 2021. Photographs by Dana Gallagher.
Ingredients for Dill Vinaigrette
- ½ tsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
- 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Grated zest and juice of ½ lemon
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- Fish sauce
Ingredients for Salad
- 1 medium bulb of fennel, halved through the root end
- 2 red radishes
- 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp. chopped capers
- 1 (4.2 oz.) tin Patagonia Provisions Smoked Mussels
- Small handful of arugula
Putting It All Together
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, stir together the mustard, dill, olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice. This is a “broken” vinaigrette, so don’t worry if it doesn’t look emulsified. Add the garlic by grating it over the bowl with a microplane. Season with fish sauce to taste and set aside. If you’re not using this immediately, it will hold in an airtight container, refrigerated, for 3 days.
- Prepare the mussel salad: Working over a large bowl and using a mandoline, thinly shave the fennel, starting at the bottom of the bulb and working your way toward the fronds. Repeat the process with the radishes.
- Add the chickpeas to the bowl and toss to combine. Add the capers and stir to combine.
- Taste the broth of the tinned mussels; if you think it’s delicious, add it, along with the mussels, to the bowl. If not, drain the mussels before adding them to the bowl. Gently stir to combine, taking care to keep the mussels as intact as possible.
- Add the dill vinaigrette to the mussel salad and gently stir, coating the chickpeas and vegetables.
- Spoon the salad into serving bowls and garnish with a couple pieces of arugula.