Print

Fresh Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

fresh asparagus salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A crisp and refreshing spring side salad featuring fresh asparagus tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 large lemons, juiced and zested
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or mint), chopped
  • ¼ cup toasted almonds or pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the asparagus under cool water and pat dry. Trim off the woody ends (about 1 to 2 inches) and cut into roughly 2-inch pieces.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add asparagus and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  4. Add the blanched asparagus to the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs and toasted nuts over the top and toss again gently.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Toss again before serving.

Notes

Blanch asparagus briefly to keep it crisp and vibrant. Use an ice bath immediately after boiling to stop cooking. Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor. Toss salad just before serving to maintain crunch. For vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Can add protein like grilled shrimp or hard-boiled eggs for a main dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: asparagus salad, lemon vinaigrette, spring salad, healthy side dish, easy asparagus recipe, gluten-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/fresh-asparagus-salad-with-lemon-vinaigrette-easy-recipe-for-perfect-spring-sides/