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 aspect 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 aspect dish for spring and summer season 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 for those who 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 a bit chunk.
- Mild, but satisfying – The combo of recent veggies, salty feta, and tangy lemon dressing makes for a superbly balanced salad.
- So fast to make – Simply blanch the asparagus, toss all the pieces collectively, and revel in!
- Excellent for meal prep – This salad holds up nicely, making it an important make-ahead dish for busy days.
Components Wanted
You solely want just a few easy elements to make this recent asparagus salad, and I wager you have already got most of them available!
- asparagus – the star of the present! Recent, crisp, and barely candy, asparagus is scrumptious when blanched to maintain its vibrant shade and tender chunk.
- pink onion – provides a little bit of crunch and a pop of sharp taste to stability the delicate sweetness of the asparagus.
- feta cheese – crumbly, creamy, and simply salty sufficient to convey all of the flavors collectively.
- recent parsley – a bit 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 chunk 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 change issues up based mostly on what you might have available or what flavors you’re craving! Listed here 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? Strive 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 wonderful with the lemon feta dressing, however you might additionally strive balsamic French dressing, pink wine French dressing, or perhaps a gentle honey mustard dressing.
Methods to Make Asparagus Salad
Step 1: Whisk collectively the dressing elements 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 bathtub 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 Finest Asparagus Salad
- Improve your feta: If potential, 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 direct ice bathtub stops the cooking course of and retains it completely tender-crisp.
- Slice the onions thinly: Purple onions add a pleasant chunk, 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 conserving 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 permits the dressing to soak into the asparagus and enhances the general taste.
Serving Solutions
Whether or not you’re serving this salad as a aspect or making it half of a bigger meal, listed below are some scrumptious methods to get pleasure from it:
Methods 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 could soften barely over time.
Make forward tip – If prepping prematurely, preserve the dressing separate till able to serve to forestall the asparagus from turning into too comfortable.
Steadily Requested Questions
This asparagus salad recipe is finest served chilly or at room temperature after blanching the asparagus. The cooling course of retains it crisp and refreshing!
For those who’re not a fan of feta, strive utilizing goat cheese, parmesan shavings, and even crumbled blue cheese for a unique taste twist.
