Fennel Detox Salad with Dill, Cucumber & Lemon (Refreshing & Gut-Friendly)

The beginning of summer always feels like an invitation to reset—clear the body, clear the mind, and create space for a vibrant, energized season ahead. Sundays are my personal reset days, when I tidy up my home, organize my thoughts, prep nourishing meals, and set the tone for the week.

This Fennel Detox Salad is one of my favorite ways to feel light, refreshed, and supported from the inside out. Fennel is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and C, packed with fiber, and naturally contains carminatives—compounds that help relax the digestive tract and ease bloating. Its signature licorice aroma comes from anethole, a plant compound shown to reduce inflammation and support detoxification pathways.

Paired with crisp cucumber, peppery arugula, fresh dill, red onion, and a bright lemon dressing, this salad is hydrating, cleansing, and deeply nourishing. It’s simple to make, perfect for warm days, and wonderful as part of a weekly reset ritual.

Fennel Detox Salad Recipe

Serves: 2–4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Fennel Detox Salad Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1 cup arugula

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup fresh dill, chopped

For the Lemon Detox Dressing

• 2 Tbsp olive oil (For oil-free: substitute 2 Tbsp orange juice and omit the maple syrup.)

• 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• ¼ tsp sea salt (more to taste)

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• Sesame seeds: for nutty flavor, vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium

• Pumpkin seeds: for crunch, zinc, iron, protein, and magnesium

• Hemp seeds: for omega 3's, zinc, and iron

• Sliced avocado: for healthy fats, fiber, B vitamins, and lutein

Directions to Make Fennel Detox Salad

1. Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the sliced fennel, cucumber, arugula, red onion, and chopped dill. Toss gently to mix.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil (or orange juice), lemon juice, maple syrup, sea salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

3. Combine

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

4. Chill

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the fennel soften slightly.

5. Taste + Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Finish with sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or avocado for extra nourishment.

This Fennel Detox Salad is the perfect way to welcome summer—or any moment when you crave something light, cleansing, and refreshing. With its crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and bright citrus dressing, it supports digestion, reduces bloating, and brings a delicious sense of renewal to your day.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Tag me on Instagram @purely__planted so I can see your beautiful, vibrant detox creations.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (4 servings): 113 calories, 13 grams carbohydrates (9 grams net carbohydrates), 4 grams fiber, 2 grams protein, 7 grams fat, 195 milligrams sodium

Good source of folate, vitamins K, A, C, and E, copper, manganese, phosphorus, potassium

Excellent source of vitamin K, A, C