Shaved Asparagus Salad with Zesty Lemon Dressing (Print Version)
Enjoy a fresh shaved asparagus salad with a bright lemon dressing. This easy, vibrant side dish is perfect for spring and ready in minutes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Verdant Base
01 -
1 lb fresh asparagus, tough ends trimmed
→ Zesty Lemon Elixir
02 -
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
03 -
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
04 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
05 -
1 clove garlic, minced
06 -
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
07 -
1/2 tsp sea salt
08 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Mediterranean Medley
09 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 -
1/4 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
11 -
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
12 -
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
13 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
→ Crunch & Garnish
14 -
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
15 -
1 tsp lemon zest, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Using a vegetable peeler, carefully shave the 1 lb fresh asparagus spears lengthwise into thin ribbons, starting from just below the tip. Discard the tough ends. Place the shaved asparagus in a large mixing bowl, ready for your Shaved Asparagus Salad with Lemon Dressing: Fresh & Easy.
02 -
In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined and emulsified. This vibrant dressing is key to the Shaved Asparagus Salad with Lemon Dressing: Fresh & Easy.
03 -
Add the 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) and 1/4 cup red onion (very thinly sliced) to the bowl with the shaved asparagus. Gently toss these ingredients together to distribute them evenly, forming the fresh foundation of your salad.
04 -
Pour the prepared lemon dressing over the asparagus mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the shaved asparagus and other vegetables are lightly coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld, enhancing your Shaved Asparagus Salad with Lemon Dressing: Fresh & Easy.
05 -
Gently fold in the 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup fresh mint (chopped), and 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped) into the salad. Be careful not to overmix, maintaining the delicate texture of the asparagus ribbons.
06 -
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle with the 1/4 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted) and 1 tsp lemon zest for a final burst of flavor and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh and easy Shaved Asparagus Salad with Lemon Dressing: Fresh & Easy.
# Notes:
01 -
For perfectly toasted pine nuts, spread them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully as they burn quickly!
02 -
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the shaved asparagus can soften over time. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving for optimal texture.
03 -
To make this Shaved Asparagus Salad entirely vegan, simply substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative and ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
04 -
This light and vibrant salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled chicken or fish, or a refreshing light lunch on its own.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
vegetable peeler
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
small mixing bowl
04 -
whisk
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
07 -
knife
08 -
cutting board
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 265 kcal
Total Fat: 23 g
Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
Protein: 6 g