Spring Delight: Strawberry & Asparagus Salad
Celebrate the freshness of spring with this vibrant Strawberry & Asparagus Salad! The combination of crisp, blanched asparagus and juicy, ripe strawberries creates a delightful contrast, while a zesty lemon-honey dressing ties it all together. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish during picnics and gatherings, this salad highlights the best produce California has to offer. Enjoy this salad chilled for maximum flavor and an uplifting experience on a sunny day!
4
Servings
50
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
asparagus
2 cups (cut in pieces and blanched)
strawberries
2 cups (sliced)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (any neutral oil)
honey
2 tablespoons (raw or filtered)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the asparagus: trim off the tough ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and quickly plunge them into ice water to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and pat dry.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched asparagus and sliced strawberries, tossing gently to combine without bruising the strawberries.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, vegetable oil, and honey until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
4
Pour the dressing over the asparagus and strawberry mixture, gently tossing to coat evenly.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing taste!
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
8.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
4.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spring Delight: Strawberry & Asparagus Salad?
It is a vibrant spring salad featuring blanched asparagus, sliced strawberries, and a lemon-honey dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include 2 cups of asparagus, 2 cups of strawberries, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 2 tablespoons honey.
How should I prepare the asparagus?
Trim the tough ends, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
Why is an ice bath necessary for the asparagus?
Plunging the asparagus into ice water stops the cooking process immediately, preserving its bright green color and crisp texture.
How long does it take to blanch the asparagus?
Asparagus should be blanched for approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
What is in the lemon-honey dressing?
The dressing consists of freshly squeezed lemon juice, neutral vegetable oil, and raw or filtered honey whisked together.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 50 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 2 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
One serving contains 8.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in a serving of this salad?
Each serving has 4.5 grams of sugar.
Does this salad provide any dietary fiber?
Yes, there is 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there protein in the Strawberry & Asparagus Salad?
Yes, the salad provides 1 gram of protein per serving.
How should I mix the ingredients to avoid bruising the fruit?
Combine the asparagus and strawberries in a bowl and toss them gently.
Does this recipe contain sodium or cholesterol?
Based on the nutritional facts provided, the sodium and cholesterol levels are not specified.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is tagged as vegetarian.
What type of oil is best for the dressing?
The recipe recommends a neutral vegetable oil.
Can I serve this salad at a picnic?
Yes, it is specifically described as a refreshing side dish perfect for picnics and gatherings.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 5 core ingredients in this recipe.
Is the lemon juice used in the recipe fresh?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What kind of honey should I use?
The recipe suggests using either raw or filtered honey.
What region's produce does this salad highlight?
This salad highlights the best produce that California has to offer.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
The salad is best served chilled for maximum flavor.
What texture can I expect from the asparagus?
The asparagus should be tender-crisp after blanching.
Is this salad considered a light meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a light meal and a refreshing side dish.
What is the primary flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is described as zesty and sweet due to the lemon and honey.
How should the strawberries be prepared?
The strawberries should be sliced before being added to the salad.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, the salad is tagged as healthy and fresh.
What are the recommended tags for this dish?
Tags include salad, spring recipe, strawberry, asparagus, fresh, healthy, light meal, vegetarian, and picnic.