My family happens to love asparagus, and we eat it in so many different ways. Crispy air fryer asparagus is always a great side dish, chicken and asparagus stir fry is a quick and healthy dinner, and this asparagus salad is full of flavor. I serve a salad almost every night with dinner, but sometimes lettuce based salads can get a little boring. Asparagus salad is a great way to liven things up, and also happens to be quite easy to prepare. I also serve carrot salad and green bean salad when I’m looking for a break from the lettuce. You can never have too many salad recipes!
Asparagus Salad Ingredients
The primary components of this salad include asparagus spears, tomato, red onion, radish, olives, feta cheese and parsley. The dressing is made with a blend of extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt and black pepper.
How do you make asparagus salad?
Start by blanching asparagus stalks in a large pot until they’re crisp tender, then cut them into bite sized pieces. Place the asparagus in a large bowl along with cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, radishes, kalamata olives and parsley. To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, lemon juice and seasonings. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with feta cheese, then serve and enjoy.
How to blanch asparagus
You will want to blanch your asparagus for this recipe, which basically means that it is lightly cooked in boiling water until just tender. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the asparagus stalks. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until asparagus is just tender and bright green. Transfer the asparagus from the water into a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process. After the asparagus is cool, drain off the water. Pat the veggies dry, then add them to your salad.
Tips for the perfect salad
Asparagus salad can be made up to 4 hours before you plan to serve it. Store it covered in the refrigerator and add the feta cheese at the last minute. I prefer to use a block of feta cheese that I crumble myself versus the tubs of store bought crumbled cheese. I find that the flavor is better and there aren’t any preservatives or anti-caking agents involved. Use a mandoline to get perfectly thin slices of red onion and radish.
Asparagus salad flavor variations
While this salad is great as-is, you can add other ingredients you have on hand to make your own creation.
Protein: Make it a main course by adding grilled chicken, tuna, canned white beans or shrimp. Pasta: Double the dressing and add 8 ounces of cooked short pasta to make a pasta salad. Grains: Stir in some cooked quinoa, brown rice or farro for extra flavor and texture. Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies such as bell peppers, cucumber, baby spinach or avocado. Flavorings: Amp up the flavor with additions such as toasted pine nuts, croutons or sun dried tomatoes. Try swapping out the feta cheese with shaved parmesan or goat cheese. No parsley on hand? Try other fresh herbs like dill, basil or chives instead.
Once you try this asparagus salad, you’ll find yourself making it on a regular basis. It’s just that good!
More great asparagus recipes
Lemon Asparagus Pasta Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Grilled Asparagus in Foil Sauteed Asparagus Roasted Asparagus
