This asparagus salad options tender asparagus spears mixed with purple 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 straightforward asparagus salad recipe pairs crisp, blanched asparagus with purple 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 in the event you love recent, easy salads, you’ve obtained to attempt 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 of chew.
- Gentle, 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!
- Good for meal prep – This salad holds up nicely, making it a terrific make-ahead dish for busy days.
Components Wanted
You solely want a number of easy components to make this recent asparagus salad, and I wager 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.
- purple onion – provides a little bit of crunch and a pop of sharp taste to steadiness the delicate sweetness of the asparagus.
- feta cheese – crumbly, creamy, and simply salty sufficient to deliver 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 purple onion.
Variations
This asparagus feta salad is scrumptious as-is, however there are many methods to change issues up primarily based on what you’ve got readily 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 distinct dressing: This salad is wonderful with the lemon feta dressing, however you could possibly additionally attempt balsamic French dressing, purple wine French dressing, or perhaps a mild honey mustard dressing.
Methods 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 cook 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, purple onion, parsley and dressing. Serve salad with ¼ cup feta on high.
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 excellent: You need the asparagus to be vibrant inexperienced and barely crisp, not mushy. A fast 1-2 minute boil adopted by an instantaneous ice tub stops the cooking course of and retains it completely tender-crisp.
- Slice the onions thinly: Purple 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 conserving their crunch.
- Let the flavors meld: When 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 Options
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:
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 might soften barely over time.
Make forward tip – If prepping prematurely, preserve the dressing separate till able to serve to stop the asparagus from changing into too tender.
Ceaselessly 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 case you’re not a fan of feta, attempt utilizing goat cheese, parmesan shavings, and even crumbled blue cheese for a distinct taste twist.
Extra Asparagus Recipes to Strive
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