Crisp, sweet, refreshing... that's how I describe raw fennel bulbs. I love using raw fennel in salads, and paired with red pepper, the crunchy veggie feast is delectable.

What's so healthy about a Red Pepper and Fennel Bulb Salad? First off, it is rich in vitamin C and minerals. Add low calorie, high fiber, and B vitamins to the mix and you're on your way to a Super Food lunch.

This particular recipe also has loads of calcium, from the fennel and sesame seeds. The only dressing is a little soy sauce and vegetable oil (I'd choose extra virgin olive oil, maybe even some flax oil, with a titch of sesame oil for flavor), so you've got no empty calories coming from the dressing.



Not thrilled with this winning combination? World's Healthiest Foods has some suggestions for using fennel bulbs:

• combine avocado, oranges and fennel bulbs into a salad
• slice fennel as a sandwich topper
• top with plain yogurt and fresh mint leaves

Do you have a favorite way to eat raw fennel?