Ikarians typically live to 90 or older, in part, because their eating habits may reduce their risk of dying by 25 percent. Health’s Food and Nutrition Editor Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, whipped up a delish Mediterranean salad based on Ikarian staples, so you can live to a healthy old age, too.
Fennel Salad With Chamomile-Rosemary Vinaigrette
Makes 4–6 servings
- 2 large fennel bulbs, halved, cored, and stalks removed
3 chamomile tea bags
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Thinly slice fennel bulbs diagonally, and place in a large bowl; set aside. In a small bowl, steep tea bags in vinegar 15 minutes; squeeze out tea bags into bowl, and discard bags. Add rosemary to vinegar-and-tea mixture, and whisk in olive oil; add salt and pepper. Drizzle vinaigrette over fennel, and refrigerate salad until ready to serve. (Serving size: about 1 cup)
Fennel
is an excellent source of potassium, which helps keep blood pressure in check.
Chamomile
settles nerves and reduces stress, while possibly boosting immune-system function.
Olive oil
lowers bad-cholesterol level and blood pressure.
Rosemary
contains carnosic acid, an antioxidant that may protect against Alzheimer’s.
