Indulge in a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish with this spring asparagus salad recipe. It features asparagus at the peak of its season, paired with a unique blend of Asian-inspired flavors. This salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it a wonderful addition to any spring meal.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your pantry, there's one you might need to look for - rice vinegar. This Asian condiment adds a distinctive tang and depth to the dressing. It's readily available in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Also, fresh asparagus is key for this recipe. Look for bright green stalks with tightly closed, compact tips.
Ingredients for Spring Asparagus Salad
Rice vinegar: A staple in Asian cuisine, used for its tangy flavor.
Red wine vinegar: Adds a dash of fruity tang and complexity.
Soy sauce: Brings a salty, umami depth to the dressing.
White sugar: Balances out the acidity of the vinegars.
Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of sharpness and helps to emulsify the dressing.
Peanut oil: Has a higher smoke point and adds a mild flavor.
Sesame oil: Gives a toasty, nutty flavor to the dressing.
Fresh asparagus: The star of the salad, offers a crunchy texture and fresh taste.
Sesame seeds: Adds a crunchy texture and slight nutty flavor.
One reader, Justinian Dugan says:
This spring asparagus salad recipe is a game-changer! The dressing is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet, and the asparagus is cooked to perfection. The sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. It's a refreshing and healthy dish that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side. Highly recommend!
Mastering the Art of Spring Asparagus Salad
How to prepare the dressing: Whisk together the rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and mustard. Drizzle in the peanut oil and sesame oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify. Set aside.
How to cook asparagus: Bring a pot of lightly-salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus to the water and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until just tender, but still mostly firm. Remove and rinse under cold water to stop from cooking any further.
How to serve: Place the asparagus in a large bowl and drizzle the dressing over the asparagus. Toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve. Enjoy!
How To Make Spring Asparagus Salad
Serve up a refreshing side of this cold asparagus salad for lunch! The veggies are tossed in an Asian-style, savory and tangy sauce, for a richer meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbsprice vinegar
- 1tspred wine vinegar
- 1tspsoy sauce
- 1tspwhite sugar
- 1tspdijon mustard
- 2tbsppeanut oil
- 1tbspsesame oil
- 1½lbsfresh asparagus,trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1tbspsesame seeds
Instructions
-
Whisk together the rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and mustard.
-
Drizzle in the peanut oil and sesame oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify. Set aside.
-
Bring a pot of lightly-salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus to the water and cook 3 to 5 minutes until just tender, but still mostly firm. Remove and rinse under cold water to stop from cooking any further.
-
Place the asparagus in a large bowl and drizzle the dressing over the asparagus. Toss until evenly coated.
-
Sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 95.37kcal
- Fat: 7.68g
- Saturated Fat: 1.23g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.28g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.78g
- Carbohydrates: 5.55g
- Fiber: 2.60g
- Sugar: 2.85g
- Protein: 2.86g
- Sodium: 60.28mg
- Calcium: 42.86mg
- Potassium: 241.58mg
- Iron: 2.68mg
- Vitamin A: 43.13µg
- Vitamin C: 6.36mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Asparagus Salad
When preparing the asparagus, it's crucial to not overcook it. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture and loss of vibrant green color. To achieve the perfect tender-crisp texture, keep a close eye on the asparagus while it's boiling. As soon as it turns bright green and is just tender enough to pierce with a fork, it's ready. Immediately rinsing it under cold water will halt the cooking process, preserving its texture and color.
Time-Saving Hacks for Preparing Spring Asparagus Salad
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cook everything in one pot for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make larger portions and freeze the extras for quick and convenient meals later.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to simplify meal preparation.
Efficient multitasking: Plan and execute tasks simultaneously to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Spring Asparagus Salad Recipe
rice vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar mild acidity and fruity flavor that can work well in place of rice vinegar in this recipe.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a slightly fruity and tangy flavor similar to red wine vinegar, making it a suitable substitute.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a rich, savory flavor that can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a touch of sweetness while also providing a subtle floral flavor to the dressing in the salad.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar tangy flavor and texture, making it a suitable replacement for dijon mustard in the dressing.
peanut oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for peanut oil in this recipe.
sesame oil - Substitute with toasted walnut oil: Toasted walnut oil can provide a nutty flavor similar to sesame oil, adding a unique depth to the salad dressing.
fresh asparagus - Substitute with green beans: Green beans can offer a similar crisp texture and fresh flavor, making them a suitable substitute for asparagus in the salad.
sesame seeds - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds can provide a similar nutty crunch and texture as sesame seeds in the salad.
Elevate Your Plate: Presentation Tips
Elevate the asparagus: Gently arrange the asparagus spears on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and slightly overlapping for an elegant presentation.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant and visually appealing elements such as edible flowers or microgreens to add a pop of color to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by strategically placing the asparagus on the plate, allowing for ample negative space to highlight the natural beauty of the dish.
Employ precision: Pay meticulous attention to the placement of each asparagus spear, ensuring they are aligned and positioned with finesse to showcase culinary expertise.
Enhance with texture: Introduce a textural element such as a delicate sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add a delightful crunch and visual interest to the dish.
Emphasize the dressing: Artfully drizzle the dressing over the asparagus using a precise hand to create an enticing visual pattern, showcasing attention to detail.
Highlight the natural beauty: Let the inherent beauty of the asparagus shine through by presenting it in a manner that accentuates its freshness and vibrant green color.
Incorporate asymmetry: Embrace a modern plating style by arranging the asparagus in an asymmetrical fashion, creating an intriguing and visually captivating presentation.
Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Asparagus Salad
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, typically consisting of a handle with loops of wire.
- Pot: A cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for boiling, stewing, or making soups.
- Bowl: A round, deep dish or basin used for preparing and serving food.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining foods such as pasta or rinsing vegetables.
- Knife: A cutting tool with a sharp blade, used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, typically used for making sauces or heating liquids.
- Tongs: A utensil with two movable arms that are joined at one end, used for picking up and holding things.
- Plates: Flat, often round dish used for serving food.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and lifting ingredients.
Preserving the Freshness of Spring Asparagus Salad
- This spring asparagus salad is best served immediately after preparing, as the asparagus will start to soften and lose its crunch over time.
- If you need to make the salad ahead of time, you can blanch the asparagus and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before tossing with the dressing and sesame seeds.
- To store any leftover salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The asparagus will continue to soften and may become slightly soggy, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the asparagus will become mushy and unappetizing once thawed. The dressing may also separate and lose its consistency when frozen and thawed.
- If you have extra blanched asparagus, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and use it in other recipes, such as stir-fries, omelets, or pasta dishes.
Reviving Leftover Spring Asparagus Salad
- The best way to reheat leftover spring asparagus salad is to simply let it come to room temperature before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the asparagus to retain its crisp texture.
- If you prefer your salad slightly warm, you can quickly blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the warmed asparagus with the remaining salad ingredients and dressing before serving.
- Another option is to sauté the asparagus in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat until just heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the asparagus, as it can quickly become mushy. Once heated, toss the asparagus with the other salad components and serve immediately.
- If you have stored the dressing separately from the asparagus, you can microwave the asparagus for 30-60 seconds until just warm, then toss with the dressing and remaining ingredients before serving. This method works best if the asparagus was not previously cooked before storing.
- Avoid reheating the entire salad in the microwave, as this can cause the asparagus to become overcooked and the dressing to separate. It's best to reheat the components separately and then toss them together just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Surprising Trivia About Asparagus Salad
The asparagus used in this recipe is a rich source of folate, which is essential for cell division and DNA synthesis. It also contains high levels of antioxidants and is a great source of fiber, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Budget-Friendly: Making Spring Asparagus Salad at Home
This spring asparagus salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Asparagus is in season during spring, making it more affordable. The dressing ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and sesame seeds are a budget-friendly addition. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $10. The dish is nutritious, flavorful, and can be served as a main or side. Overall, I rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability, simplicity, and delicious taste.
Is This Spring Salad Healthy?
The spring asparagus salad recipe is a healthy choice, offering a balance of nutrients and flavors. Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and folate. The dressing combines heart-healthy oils, such as peanut and sesame, with vinegars and soy sauce, providing a tasty way to consume healthy fats. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a boost of minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. The recipe is also low in sodium and contains no cholesterol.
To make this salad even healthier:
- Use a reduced-sodium soy sauce to lower the overall sodium content
- Replace the white sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Add more colorful vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, to increase the variety of vitamins and minerals
- Include a lean protein source, like grilled chicken or tofu, to make it a more balanced meal
- Experiment with different whole grains, such as quinoa or farro, to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates
Editor's Take: Why This Asparagus Salad Recipe Stands Out
This spring asparagus salad recipe is a delightful combination of fresh flavors and textures. The dressing's balance of tangy and savory notes complements the crisp-tender asparagus perfectly, while the sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. The dish is a celebration of the season's bounty and is sure to impress with its simplicity and elegance. It's a wonderful way to showcase the natural beauty and flavor of asparagus, making it a perfect addition to any springtime menu.
Enhance Your Spring Asparagus Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Explore These Delightful Variations on Spring Asparagus Salad
Appetizers and Desserts: The Perfect Companions for Spring Asparagus Salad
Why trust this Spring Asparagus Salad Recipe:
This recipe guarantees freshness and flavor, using only the finest fresh asparagus and quality ingredients. The combination of rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, and soy sauce creates a harmonious balance of tangy and savory flavors. The use of peanut oil and sesame oil adds a rich nuttiness, enhancing the overall taste. The careful blanching of the asparagus ensures a perfect tender-crisp texture. Topped with toasted sesame seeds, this salad is a delightful and nutritious addition to any meal.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Shaved Asparagus Salad Recipe
Asparagus Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs & Creamy Dijon Dressing Recipe
Warm Salad of Asparagus, Bacon, Duck Egg & Hazelnuts Recipe
Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Orange Marmalade Sauce Recipe
Microwave Meal-Prep Lasagna Recipe
Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chunks Recipe
Iced Mocha Frappe Recipe
Peach And Blackberry Pie Recipe
Lemon Mushroom Herb Chicken Recipe
Chicken With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Simple Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe
