This asparagus salad options tender asparagus spears mixed with pink onion and parsley tossed in a lemon feta dressing.
I’m channeling spring with this tremendous easy asparagus and feta salad. It’s gentle, recent and such an ideal facet dish.
This straightforward asparagus salad recipe pairs crisp, blanched asparagus with pink onion, parsley, and a tangy lemon feta dressing that’s downright irresistible. It’s the proper facet dish for spring and summer time meals, whether or not you’re internet hosting a brunch, grilling out, or simply want a fast and wholesome salad to prep for the week.
And if you happen to love recent, easy salads, you’ve acquired to strive my arugula salad or this straightforward kale salad for extra scrumptious choices!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp & refreshing – Blanching the asparagus retains it vibrant inexperienced and completely tender with somewhat chew.
- Gentle, but satisfying – The combo of recent veggies, salty feta, and tangy lemon dressing makes for a wonderfully balanced salad.
- So fast to make – Simply blanch the asparagus, toss every thing collectively, and luxuriate in!
- Excellent for meal prep – This salad holds up effectively, making it an incredible make-ahead dish for busy days.
Elements Wanted
You solely want just a few easy components to make this recent asparagus salad, and I guess you have already got most of them readily available!
- asparagus – the star of the present! Recent, crisp, and barely candy, asparagus is scrumptious when blanched to maintain its vibrant coloration and tender chew.
- pink onion – provides a little bit of crunch and a pop of sharp taste to stability the gentle sweetness of the asparagus.
- feta cheese – crumbly, creamy, and simply salty sufficient to carry all of the flavors collectively.
- recent parsley – somewhat recent parsley brightens up the entire salad.
- lemon feta dressing – a easy however flavorful mixture of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, crumbled feta, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. This dressing provides a tangy, barely creamy chew that pairs completely with the crisp asparagus and pink onion.
Variations
This asparagus feta salad is scrumptious as-is, however there are many methods to modify issues up based mostly on what you’ve got readily available or what flavors you’re craving! Listed below are some concepts:
- Add grains: Make it heartier by serving it over cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice.
- Swap the cheese: Not a fan of feta? Attempt goat cheese for a tangy, creamy twist or parmesan for a extra savory, nutty taste.
- Add a crunch: Toss in toasted almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts for additional texture and taste.
- Use a unique dressing: This salad is superb with the lemon feta dressing, however you can additionally strive balsamic French dressing, pink wine French dressing, or perhaps a gentle honey mustard dressing.
The right way to Make Asparagus Salad
Step 1: Whisk collectively the dressing components in a small bowl. Put aside.
Step 2: Chop trimmed asparagus spears into thirds, on the diagonal.
Step 3: Add asparagus to boiling water and prepare dinner for 1-2 minutes. Switch spears instantly into the ice tub and let chill for a couple of minutes then take away with the slotted spoon or tongs. Switch asparagus to a big plate lined with a clear kitchen towel to dry.
Step 4: In a big bowl, gently toss collectively blanched asparagus spears, pink onion, parsley and dressing. Serve salad with ¼ cup feta on prime.
Suggestions for the Greatest Asparagus Salad
- Improve your feta: If attainable, use block feta cheese and crumble it your self. It’s creamier and extra flavorful than pre-crumbled feta.
- Blanch the asparagus good: You need the asparagus to be vibrant inexperienced and barely crisp, not mushy. A fast 1-2 minute boil adopted by a right away ice tub stops the cooking course of and retains it completely tender-crisp.
- Slice the onions thinly: Crimson onions add a pleasant chew, but when they’re too overpowering, soak them in chilly water for 10 minutes earlier than including them to the salad. This mellows their sharpness whereas protecting their crunch.
- Let the flavors meld: You probably have time, let the salad sit within the fridge for about half-hour earlier than serving. This enables the dressing to soak into the asparagus and enhances the general taste.
Serving Strategies
Whether or not you’re serving this salad as a facet or making it half of a bigger meal, listed here are some scrumptious methods to get pleasure from it:
The right way to Retailer Asparagus Salad
Within the fridge – Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. The flavors proceed to develop, however the asparagus might soften barely over time.
Make forward tip – If prepping prematurely, hold the dressing separate till able to serve to stop the asparagus from changing into too tender.
Steadily Requested Questions
This asparagus salad recipe is greatest served chilly or at room temperature after blanching the asparagus. The cooling course of retains it crisp and refreshing!
In the event you’re not a fan of feta, strive utilizing goat cheese, parmesan shavings, and even crumbled blue cheese for a unique taste twist.
Extra Asparagus Recipes to Attempt
In the event you loved this recipe, please think about leaving a ⭐ star score and let me know the way it went within the 📝 feedback beneath.
