Asparagus and Orange Salad with Manchego Delight
This vibrant salad combines tender blanched asparagus with juicy orange segments and ripe tomatoes, creating a refreshing dish that's perfect for any occasion. The addition of sliced red onions adds a hint of sharpness, while crisp romaine lettuce provides a refreshing crunch. To elevate the flavor profile, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and sherry wine vinegar dressing ties the ingredients together beautifully. Shaved manchego cheese on top adds a creamy, nutty richness that makes each bite irresistible. Serve this delightful salad as a starter or side, paired with some crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Asparagus spears
1 cup (fresh or thawed from frozen)
Oranges
2 medium (peeled and segmented, one half reserved for juicing and zesting)
Red onion
1/2 cup (sliced and cut into crescents)
Tomatoes
2 (ripe but firm, cut into eighths)
Romaine leaves
3 cups (chopped into narrow strips)
Manchego cheese
2 ounces (shaved for garnish (optional))
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
Sherry wine vinegar
1 tablespoon
Orange zest
1/2 orange (finely minced)
Reserved orange juice
1 tablespoon
Salt
to taste
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus spears for 2-3 minutes, until vibrant green and tender-crisp. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2
Peel the oranges and segment them into bite-sized pieces. Reserve half of one orange for juicing and zesting.
3
In a non-reactive bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, sherry wine vinegar, finely minced orange zest, and 1 tablespoon of reserved orange juice. Season the dressing with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
4
In a large salad bowl, combine the blanched asparagus, sliced red onion, orange segments, tomatoes, and chopped romaine. Gently toss the ingredients together.
5
Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every component evenly.
6
For added flair and flavor, shave manchego cheese over each serving as desired.
7
Enjoy the salad immediately with slices of crusty bread on the side.
Nutrition Information
3.5g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Asparagus and Orange Salad?
The main ingredients include asparagus spears, oranges, red onion, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and Manchego cheese.
How do I prepare the asparagus for this salad?
Blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh asparagus or asparagus that has been thawed from frozen.
What type of dressing is used for this salad?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of extra virgin olive oil, sherry wine vinegar, finely minced orange zest, orange juice, salt, and pepper.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving.
Is the Asparagus and Orange Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is suitable for vegetarians.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe calls for shaved Manchego cheese, which adds a creamy, nutty richness.
How should the oranges be prepared?
Peel the oranges and segment them into bite-sized pieces, reserving half of one orange for its juice and zest.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This salad contains approximately 3.5g of fat.
How much fiber is in the Asparagus and Orange Salad?
Each serving provides about 2.5g of fiber.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is recommended to serve the salad immediately, paired with slices of crusty bread.
How do I prepare the romaine lettuce?
The romaine leaves should be chopped into narrow strips.
What should the texture of the asparagus be after blanching?
The asparagus should be vibrant green and tender-crisp.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I make the dressing flavorful?
Whisk the ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and set it aside to allow the flavors to meld before drizzling over the salad.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides approximately 2g of protein.
How should the tomatoes be cut?
The tomatoes should be cut into eighths.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
Sherry wine vinegar is specifically recommended for its unique flavor profile.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently just before serving to ensure even coating.
Can I add the cheese at the beginning?
It is best to shave the Manchego cheese over each serving just before eating for the best presentation and flavor.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, fresh, and nutrient-dense appetizer or side dish.
How much orange juice is needed for the dressing?
You will need 1 tablespoon of reserved orange juice for the dressing.
What size of oranges should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 medium oranges.
How do I cut the red onion?
The red onion should be sliced and then cut into crescents.
What makes the salad refreshing?
The combination of blanched asparagus, citrus segments, and crisp romaine lettuce provides a refreshing crunch and taste.
Is there any specific season this salad is best for?
This salad is particularly well-suited for the summer season.
What kind of bowl should be used for the dressing?
A non-reactive bowl is recommended for whisking the dressing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including seasonings.
Why do I need to rinse the asparagus in cold water?
Rinsing in cold water stops the cooking process immediately, keeping the asparagus crisp and green.
How do I zest the orange?
Finely mince the zest from half of an orange to include in the dressing.