Chilled Asparagus with Walnut Vinaigrette
Elevate your dining experience with this sophisticated and refreshing dish featuring crisp asparagus lightly coated in a delightful walnut vinaigrette. This elegant cold salad is perfect for summer luncheons, picnics, or as a vibrant side dish for any meal. With its harmonious blend of flavors—sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and tangy rice vinegar—this recipe is both quick to prepare and a sure crowd-pleaser. Perfect for those who want to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen!
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh asparagus
1 lb (Trimmed and washed)
honey
2 tablespoons (None)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (None)
rice vinegar
3 tablespoons (None)
crushed walnuts
1/4 cup (Chopped)
black pepper
to taste (Freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the asparagus and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the tender tips are bright green and just tender.
2
Remove the asparagus from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside to cool.
3
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until well combined.
4
Stir in the crushed walnuts to the dressing mixture.
5
In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled asparagus with the walnut vinaigrette until evenly coated.
6
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Before serving, arrange the asparagus on a platter and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Asparagus with Walnut Vinaigrette?
It is a sophisticated cold salad featuring crisp asparagus lightly coated in a vinaigrette made of honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed walnuts.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
How long should I boil the asparagus?
You should boil the asparagus for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the tips are bright green and just tender.
Why is an ice bath necessary in this recipe?
The ice bath is used to immediately stop the cooking process, which preserves the bright green color and crisp texture of the asparagus.
What are the ingredients in the walnut vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is made by whisking together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed walnuts.
Is this asparagus dish served hot or cold?
This dish is specifically designed to be served cold as a refreshing salad or side dish.
How long should the dish be refrigerated before serving?
It should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld properly.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be trimmed and washed before cooking.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
While tagged as vegan, traditional honey is used; you can substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup to make it strictly vegan.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To ensure the dish is gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
What type of walnuts are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of crushed or chopped walnuts.
Can I substitute the rice vinegar?
While rice vinegar provides a specific tang, you could use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute.
How do I trim the asparagus?
Trim the asparagus by cutting off the woody, tough bottom ends of the stalks.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and tangy rice vinegar.
Is this recipe suitable for picnics?
Yes, because it is served chilled, it is an excellent choice for summer picnics and outdoor luncheons.
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with crushed pecans or slivered almonds if preferred.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the chilled asparagus stay fresh?
It is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Can the vinaigrette be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar together in advance and add the walnuts just before tossing with the asparagus.
How much asparagus do I need to buy?
The recipe requires 1 lb of fresh asparagus.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
Regular soy sauce works well, but low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you are monitoring salt intake.
Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar will significantly change the flavor and color, but it can be used for a more Mediterranean-style variation.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for summer weather.
Can I add a spicy element to this recipe?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the vinaigrette for a bit of heat.
What is the final garnish for this dish?
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
Is this recipe difficult to prepare?
No, it is an easy recipe designed for those who want to impress with minimal time in the kitchen.
Can I steam the asparagus instead of boiling?
Yes, you can steam the asparagus until just tender-crisp as an alternative to boiling.
Why use freshly cracked black pepper?
Freshly cracked pepper provides a more pungent and aromatic flavor than pre-ground pepper, enhancing the final presentation.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish and can serve as a salad or side.
Can I double this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales easily; simply double all ingredient amounts and use a larger pot for boiling.