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 mild, recent and such an ideal facet dish.
This simple asparagus salad recipe pairs crisp, blanched asparagus with pink onion, parsley, and a tangy lemon feta dressing that’s downright irresistible. It’s the right 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 when you love recent, easy salads, you’ve acquired to attempt my arugula salad or this simple kale salad for extra scrumptious choices!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp & refreshing – Blanching the asparagus retains it vivid inexperienced and completely tender with a bit of chew.
- 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 every part collectively, and revel in!
- Excellent for meal prep – This salad holds up effectively, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy days.
Elements Wanted
You solely want just a few easy components 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 coloration and tender chew.
- 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 carry all of the flavors collectively.
- recent parsley – a bit of 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 change issues up primarily based on what you could 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 further texture and taste.
- Use a special dressing: This salad is wonderful with the lemon feta dressing, however you may additionally attempt balsamic French dressing, pink wine French dressing, or perhaps a mild honey mustard dressing.
Tips on how 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 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.
Ideas for the Greatest 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 excellent: You need the asparagus to be vivid 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: 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 maintaining their crunch.
- Let the flavors meld: If in case you 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 Recommendations
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 take pleasure in it:
Tips on how 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 upfront, maintain the dressing separate till able to serve to stop the asparagus from turning into too delicate.
Incessantly 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!
If you happen to’re not a fan of feta, attempt utilizing goat cheese, parmesan shavings, and even crumbled blue cheese for a special taste twist.
Extra Asparagus Recipes to Strive
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