Fennel and cucumber salad v

The mixture of fennel and cucumber is refreshing and clean-tasting, and this salad is excellent for when you’re in a hurry because it’s very simple to make. It goes well with many pasta dishes.

SERVES 4

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 tbsp olive oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cucumber

1 large fennel bulb

a little sugar (optional)

Put the vinegar, oil, salt and a grinding of pepper into a salad bowl and mix together.

Peel the cucumber and cut into medium-sized dice. Wash, trim and slice the fennel, discarding any coarse leaves but including any tender feathery leaves.

Add the cucumber and fennel to the dressing mixture in the bowl and stir well.

Check the seasoning – just a touch of sugar can be pleasant in this salad – then serve.