Asparagus Salad with a Dijon Vinaigrette

5 from 8 votes
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My Asparagus Salad with a Dijon Vinaigrette isn’t your average asparagus salad. I’m talking about crisp asparagus spears with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy radish slices, and a sprinkle of sliced almonds for that perfect bite. Ready in 15 minutes!

Asparagus salad made with blanched asparagus, sliced radish, fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and sliced almonds topped with a tangy Dijon vinaigrette


 

Let’s not forget about the creamy feta and fresh parsley that tie it all together in a flavor-packed ensemble.

Get ready to shake up your greens routine with a burst of flavor straight from the garden! It’s more of a vibrant pop of colors, textures, and flavors that’ll awaken those dormant senses! Who doesn’t love a salad that has “Hello Spring!” written all over it?


Recipe Highlights

Cultural Influence: Mediterranean Inspiration

Primary Cooking Technique: Blanching; Freshly Assembled

Suitable for: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan

Dominant Flavor Profile: Crisp and Vibrant, with a Burst of Garden Freshness

Skill Level Required: Beginner-Friendly


Ingredients for asparagus salad include asparagus, parsley, cherry tomatoes, radishes, sliced almonds, feta, and the ingredients for the Dijon vinaigrette: Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and olive oil

Ingredients for Asparagus Salad

Asparagus Salad

  • Asparagus: To ensure tender asparagus spears, snap off the woody ends rather than cutting them. The spears will naturally break where the tender part begins.
  • Cherry tomatoes: : The fresher the better with cherry tomatoes. If you don’t have any on hand, use whatever tomatoes you have just chop them into smaller-sized pieces.
  • Radishes: For a decorative touch, try slicing the radishes thinly using a mandoline slicer. This creates delicate, uniform slices that add visual appeal to the salad.
  • Sliced Almonds: You can toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add a satisfying crunch to the salad.
  • Feta: Swap out the feta for goat cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, or your preferred cheese of choice.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chop parsley just before serving to retain its freshness and vibrant color. Consider using both the leaves and the tender stems for added flavor.

Dressing

  • Olive oil: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing to impart a rich, fruity flavor to the salad.
  • Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard not only adds a tangy kick to the dressing but also acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and vinegar together for a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: For a milder flavor, you can substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in the dressing.
  • Kosher Salt: Kosher salt has larger grains compared to table salt, which makes it easier to pinch and control the seasoning. Adjust the amount to taste for a perfectly seasoned salad.
  • Black Pepper: For maximum flavor, use freshly ground black pepper rather than pre-ground pepper. The aromatic oils in freshly ground pepper add a delightful burst of flavor to the dressing.

Asparagus salad made with blanched asparagus, sliced radish, fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and sliced almonds topped with a tangy Dijon vinaigrette on a white plate with a side of extra tomatoes and feta

How to Make Asparagus Salad

First, after you’ve soaked and washed your asparagus, boil them for 3 minutes and transfer to an ice water bowl.

Next, plate the asparagus with tomatoes and radishes. Then, top with almonds and add the dressing after mixing together the ingredients.

Top with feta and parsley and serve.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Assembly: Simply gather your fresh ingredients – from crisp asparagus spears to vibrant cherry tomatoes – and toss them together in a bowl.

Vibrant Visual Feast: The vibrant green of the asparagus, the ruby red of the cherry tomatoes, and the creamy white of the feta cheese create a visual masterpiece that’s as inviting as it is appetizing.

Flavorful Fusion: A medley of flavors starting with the crispness of the asparagus. Add the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, and the tanginess of the homemade dressing for a refreshing and satisfying fusion.

Versatile and Adaptable: Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, this asparagus salad is versatile. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced dinner. Or enjoy it on its own for a quick and nutritious lunch.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a spring picnic, a casual brunch, or a festive dinner party, this asparagus salad is sure to impress. Its simple yet elegant presentation makes it the perfect complement to any occasion. Furthermore, its fresh and flavorful ingredients will leave your guests coming back for more.


Let’s Talk Asparagus

When picking out this green gem at the supermarket, look for firm stalks with closed tips and vibrant color. Avoid any that appear wilted or slimy.

Once you’ve got your bunch, store it in the refrigerator, standing upright in a glass of water or wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep it fresh.

When it’s time to make your salad, simply snap off the woody ends – they’ll naturally break where the tender part begins. Then, give them a quick rinse.

To prep the asparagus for your salad, boil it for only three minutes. Then transfer it to an ice water bath (bowl full of water and ice). This is to preserve the color and the crunchy texture of the asparagus while it is completely cooked. Finally, they’re ready to shine in your vibrant asparagus salad creation.

Other Great Asparagus Recipes to Try:


Asparagus salad made with blanched asparagus, sliced radish, fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and sliced almonds topped with a tangy Dijon vinaigrette

Zesty Dijon Vinaigrette for Your Asparagus Salad

In this refreshing blend, extra virgin olive oil brings its fruity richness, adding a luscious base to the dressing.

Tangy Dijon mustard lends a bold kick and acts as an emulsifier. This ensures the ingredients come together in perfect harmony.

A splash of red wine vinegar introduces a delightful acidity, balancing out the flavors and brightening the dish.

Seasoned with a pinch of kosher salt, which enhances the overall taste. Next, add a dash of freshly ground black pepper, which adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dressing.

Each of these simple ingredients adds its own layer of flavor complexity and combine to make a dressing that enhances the flavors of the asparagus salad.


Perfect Pairings

This salad works so well any kind of protein, especially grilled. Pair this salad with any of the following dishes:


Tips, Tricks, and Hacks

Asparagus Salad Tips:

  • Selecting Asparagus: Choose firm, bright green asparagus spears with tightly closed tips for the freshest taste.
  • Prepping Asparagus: To remove tough ends, gently bend each spear near the bottom – it will naturally snap where it becomes tender.
  • Enhancing Flavor: Try roasting the asparagus briefly in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil before adding it to the salad for an extra depth of flavor.
  • Adding Texture: Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown before sprinkling them over the salad for a delightful crunch.
  • Customizing Ingredients: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients, such as adding avocado slices or grilled chicken for extra protein.
  • Serve Immediately: Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure that the ingredients stay fresh and crisp. This ensures that the salad looks and tastes its best when served.

Dressing Tips:

  • Balancing Flavors: Taste your dressing as you go and adjust the ratios of olive oil, Dijon mustard, and vinegar to achieve the perfect balance of acidity and creaminess.
  • Emulsifying the Dressing: I add all the ingredients into a jar and shake vigorously for about 1-2 minutes. Another way is to slowly drizzle the olive oil into the other ingredients while whisking vigorously to ensure a smooth and creamy emulsion.
  • Storing the Dressing: Make extra dressing and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it again.
  • Customizing Seasonings: Feel free to customize the dressing with additional herbs or spices, such as minced garlic, honey, or lemon juice, to suit your taste preferences.
  • Dressing the Salad: Add the dressing to the salad just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
Asparagus salad made with blanched asparagus, sliced radish, fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and sliced almonds topped with a tangy Dijon vinaigrette

Variations and Substitutes

Cheese: I added feta, however you can substitute that with goat cheese, parmesan, or even mozzarella with pork.

Cherry Tomatoes: For added sweetness and depth of flavor, you can roast the cherry tomatoes in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before adding them to the salad.

Nuts/Seeds: I used sliced almonds, but you can substitute with walnuts, pistachios, or sunflower seeds. You can also toast the almonds for more crunch.

Herbs: My recipe calls for fresh parsley, you can opt for differing flavors by changing the fresh herb to cilantro, dill, or chives but it will definitely change the flavor profile.


Storage

This salad lasts for about two to three days in the fridge stored in an airtight container. All you need to do is to just drizzle a little bit of olive oil to freshen it up.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare asparagus for a salad?

Usually, you blanch the asparagus by putting it into boiling water for 2-3 minutes and moving them into an ice bath. Or, you could add them raw. Be sure to soak and wash them well before use.

What can I use instead of feta cheese in the salad?

You can opt for vegan feta, parmesan, goat cheese, or simply omitting cheese entirely for a dairy-free version

Can I make asparagus salad ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared ahead of time and the dressing kept separate to be poured on top at the time of serving.

Can I add nuts to my asparagus salad?

Yes! In fact, I highly recommend adding sliced almonds or walnuts to give added texture and depth of flavor to the salad.

What are good herb pairings with asparagus?

Parsley and mint are top choices, but you can also do dill, chives, or cilantro.


Other Must-Try Salad Recipes


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5 from 8 votes

Asparagus Salad with a Dijon Vinaigrette

A refreshing spring salad made with blanched asparagus, crispy radish, fresh parsley, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing.
Prep: 12 minutes
Cook: 3 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

Asparagus Salad

  • 1 lb asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sliced almonds
  • cup feta, crumbled
  • cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dijon Vinaigrette

Instructions 

Asparagus Salad

  • Blanch the asparagus by boiling for 2-3 minutes and moving them into an ice bath.
  • Plate the asparagus with cherry tomatoes and radishes. Top with almonds and add the dressing.
  • Top with feta and parsley and serve.

Dijon Vinaigrette

  • Place the olive oil, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, kosher salt and black pepper in a jar. Shake well for a minute or two.

Video

Notes

Asparagus Salad Tips:
  1. Selecting Asparagus: Choose firm, bright green asparagus spears with tightly closed tips for the freshest taste.
  2. Prepping Asparagus: To remove tough ends, gently bend each spear near the bottom – it will naturally snap where it becomes tender.
  3. Enhancing Flavor: Try roasting the asparagus briefly in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil before adding it to the salad for an extra depth of flavor.
  4. Adding Texture: Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown before sprinkling them over the salad for a delightful crunch.
  5. Customizing Ingredients: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients, such as adding avocado slices or grilled chicken for extra protein.
  6. Serve Immediately: Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure that the ingredients stay fresh and crisp. This ensures that the salad looks and tastes its best when served.
Dressing Tips:
    1. Balancing Flavors: Taste your dressing as you go and adjust the ratios of olive oil, Dijon mustard, and vinegar to achieve the perfect balance of acidity and creaminess.
    2. Emulsifying the Dressing: I add all the ingredients into a jar and shake vigorously for about 1-2 minutes. Another way is to slowly drizzle the olive oil into the other ingredients while whisking vigorously to ensure a smooth and creamy emulsion.
    3. Storing the Dressing: Make extra dressing and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it again.
    4. Customizing Seasonings: Feel free to customize the dressing with additional herbs or spices, such as minced garlic, honey, or lemon juice, to suit your taste preferences.
    5. Dressing the Salad: Add the dressing to the salad just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 313mg | Potassium: 443mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1515IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Shadi HasanzadeNemati

I'm here to show you how to make delicious Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food at home. My easy to follow recipes will bring exciting new flavors to your table!

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5 from 8 votes

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Recipe Rating




8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I tried your asparagus salad with a Dijon vinaigrette, and it was fantastic! The vinaigrette had just the right amount of tang and perfectly complemented the fresh, crisp asparagus. It was so refreshing and easy to make, making it the perfect side for a spring meal. Thanks for such a delightful recipe—it’s definitely one I’ll be making again!

  2. 5 stars
    I have a lot of fresh asparagus so I had to make this salad. It was a hit, and I will make it again. Thank you!

  3. 5 stars
    I really needed a good asparagus salad today and this one really hit the spot! It was so refreshing and light that I actually finished 2 bowls!

  4. 5 stars
    I love making anything with asparagus this time of year, and pairing it with that dijon dressing is absolutely fantastic! I’ll be making this again ASAP 🙂

  5. 5 stars
    Don’t usually like asparagus, but this was delish! Def gonna make it again for my veggie fix.