Shaved Asparagus Salad with Zesty Lemon Dressing (Print Version)
Fresh shaved asparagus salad with a bright lemon dressing. This vibrant, light dish is a refreshing side or starter, ideal for spring.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Delicate Green Ribbons
01 -
1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus, tough ends trimmed
→ Zesty Mediterranean Vinaigrette
02 -
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
03 -
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
04 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
05 -
1 tsp honey
06 -
1/2 tsp sea salt
07 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Bright Accents & Crumbles
08 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 -
1/2 cup English cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
10 -
1/4 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
11 -
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
12 -
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
13 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
→ Toasted Crunch & Garnish
14 -
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
15 -
1 tsp lemon zest, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Using a sharp vegetable peeler, carefully shave the 1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus into delicate 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.
02 -
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined and emulsified. This Zesty Mediterranean Vinaigrette is key for your Shaved Asparagus Salad with Lemon Dressing.
03 -
To the bowl with shaved asparagus, add 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 cup English cucumber (thinly sliced or diced), and 1/4 cup red onion (very thinly sliced). Gently toss these Bright Accents & Crumbles together to distribute evenly.
04 -
Pour the prepared Zesty Mediterranean Vinaigrette over the asparagus and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing. This step brings the Shaved Asparagus Salad with Lemon Dressing to life.
05 -
Fold in 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped), and 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped). Toss lightly one last time to incorporate these fresh flavors and textures throughout the salad.
06 -
Transfer the Shaved Asparagus Salad with Lemon Dressing to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with 1/4 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted) and 1 tsp lemon zest. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
# Notes:
01 -
For perfectly delicate ribbons, use a sharp vegetable peeler and apply gentle, even pressure. If your asparagus spears are very thin, you might only get a few good ribbons per spear.
02 -
To toast 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!
03 -
This salad is best served fresh, but you can prepare the dressing and shave the asparagus up to a few hours in advance. Keep them separate and combine just before serving to prevent the asparagus from softening too much.
04 -
Feel free to customize with other fresh herbs like dill or chives, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Grilled chicken or shrimp make a great addition for a more substantial meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Vegetable peeler
02 -
Large mixing bowl
03 -
Small bowl
04 -
Whisk
05 -
Cutting board
06 -
Chef's knife
07 -
Measuring cups
08 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 300 kcal
Total Fat: 23 g
Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
Protein: 10 g