Asparagus Summer Salad
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 by Pam
I found a really delicious looking recipe for a summer salad in Sunset Magazine and instantly knew I would make it. I adapted the recipe a bit by using the fresh herbs I had on hand and reducing the olive oil. I really, really loved the flavor of the salad dressing with the cool and crisp asparagus. The cheese gave the salad a bit of creaminess and the nuts and onions gave a nice crunch. My husband, son and I loved this salad while my daughter thought it was "okay". If you are looking for a tasty new way to make asparagus - try this recipe.
Asparagus Summer Salad:
Recipe and photo by For the Love of Cooking
Recipe adapted from Sunset Magazine June 2009
Dressing:
Recipe adapted from Sunset Magazine June 2009
Dressing:
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1-2 tsp shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Combine all ingredients except for oil in a food processor. Pulse until well mixed then slowly drizzle olive oil in while pulsing. Taste and re-season if needed.
Salad:
- 1 lb asparagus spears, ends removed and cut into thirds
- Dressing
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced thin
- Feta cheese (I used low fat)
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Bring a large saucepan of water to boil over high heat. Drop asparagus into the water and cook for 1-2 minutes, until bright green and slightly softened. Drain asparagus and place in an ice bath immediately. Drain and place asparagus spears in a large bowl. Toss spears, pine nuts and red onion with the dressing (I used a little at a time so I wouldn't over dress - there was still quite a bit leftover). Toss to coat evenly then sprinkle feta cheese on top. Enjoy.
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Healthy and delicious is all I can say ;-) Perfect for those hot summer days. I need to get me some asparagus this weekend at the farmer's market.
Oh how wonderful are summer salads/ yum yum yum + fresh asparagus kicks ass!
OOOH Pam: this is such a lovely & easy yet so flavourfull summer salad!
So lovely!
I love asparagus. What a great way to use it.
I am so impressed you got your daughter to try this salad. My children are so fickle. It looks delicious! Elegant, actually.
This looks like a nice side dish or snack! I love it..
This asparagus salad looks ssoo good! :)
Pam,
I love the creamy mustard dressing.
Anyway, is a good way to make asparagus!
I really dig the crunchy contrast. Pine nuts are a great addition too. I can eat this and not wait 30 mins to go swimming :)
This seriously sounds like a perfect side! I love the ingredients you've used and have already written them down to go to the store! :)
Great way to use up the last few asparagus of the season! Looks lovely and fresh!
Fresh and delicious...not much more a girl needs!
I love the dressing it sounds like a eal winner!
What a dang good idea, feta and asparagus two of my favorite things!
I love this recipe. Cool, crisp and perfect for a hot summer night. I'm a huge fan of asparagus. Thanks, Pam.
Yummm, I could gobble up a plate of this salad right now.
I made your recipe for corn with cilantro-lime butter and cotija cheese and it was fantastic. Love the flavor of lime and the crumbled cheese added a great texture contrast. It was a huge hit! Thanks.
Sounds delish! Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables, but I've never made a salad with it. Great recipe!
yep, this is a terrific summer dish. it'd be stellar at picnics and reunions and whatnot--great post!
I have one of those "Well, it's okay" children, too. Actually, I have 3. As long as you enjoyed it and your husband liked it, you should make it again!
I love fresh asparagus. That salad looks so delicious!
absolutely delicious!!
Look so yummy and colorful... wish to have that whole plate
I love asparagus! Your salad looks so fresh and delicious...I love the feta cheese addition!
Tis the season for awesome simple dishes with a good focus on vegetables.
Looks wonderful!
This reminds me to buy some asparagus. I love anything with feta so you got me hooked on this one.
What a pretty salad - I love the pine nuts on top!
Oh I love this salad!
All I want to eat recently is salad and I know I'd love this!
This looks delicious! Summer salads are the best. Everything is fresh and green...and the variety....
Love asparagus!
wow! Fresh and crunchy and delicious! I love this!
Just love this. what a fwonderful combination you have done here.
I just bought beans, I should try this recipe. Thanks.
Oh wow, I am loving the looks of this. So beautiful.
Add a little grilled shrimp to the plate and I think that will be dinner tonight...thanks!
Oh my goodness!! I made this recipe tonight for dinner with our grilled steaks. It was FABULOUS!!! Will DEFINITELY be making this again!
I made this tonight and it was fabulous! Thanks for another great recipe.
I just made this and it was AMAZING! Even my 7 year old that hates asparagus couldn't get enough. Thank you for this amazing dish!