Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chopped Asparagus Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that highlights the crisp, tender texture of fresh asparagus combined with a medley of colorful vegetables and a light, zesty dressing. Perfect for spring and summer meals, this salad is quick to prepare, nutritious, and ideal as a side or a light main course.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh asparaguscherry tomatoesred onioncucumberfeta cheeseolive oillemon juiceDijon mustardhoneygarlicsalt and pepperfresh herbs (such as parsley or dill)

directions

Blanch the asparagus by boiling it for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transferring it to an ice bath to preserve its bright green color and crispness.

Chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces.

Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the asparagus, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.

Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesBlanching and chilling time: 5 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.

Include avocado slices for creaminess.

Swap feta for goat cheese or shaved Parmesan.

Use a balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.

Incorporate nuts like toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch.

storage/reheating

Store Chopped Asparagus Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Best enjoyed cold; no reheating needed.Stir gently before serving to refresh the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use raw asparagus?

Yes, if you prefer extra crunch, you can skip the blanching step.

What other vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, radishes, or snap peas would all work well.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables and dressing separately, then combine just before serving.

What’s the best way to blanch asparagus?

Boil for 1-2 minutes until bright green, then shock in ice water to stop the cooking.

How do I keep the asparagus from getting soggy?

Blanch briefly and avoid overcooking; also, pat dry after the ice bath.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese.

What herbs pair best with asparagus?

Parsley, dill, mint, and chives complement asparagus beautifully.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It’s best fresh but can hold up well for a day or two if kept chilled and dressed just before eating.

Conclusion

Chopped Asparagus Salad is a lively, crisp dish that showcases the best of fresh, seasonal produce. With its bright flavors, easy preparation, and endless customization options, it’s a versatile salad you’ll turn to again and again for picnics, lunches, and light dinners. Give it a try and savor a taste of freshness!