Spring Garden Asparagus Salad
This vibrant Spring Garden Asparagus Salad is a delightful celebration of fresh seasonal ingredients. The tender, bright green asparagus pairs beautifully with the sweet crunch of diced yellow pepper and the juicy burst of halved grape tomatoes. Tossed with green onions and fresh parsley, this salad becomes a colorful centerpiece perfect for any BBQ or summer gathering. Drizzled with a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, this dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making it an ideal side or light lunch for warm weather.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh asparagus
1 lb (trimmed & cut into bite-size pieces)
yellow pepper
1 (diced)
grape tomatoes
1 pint (cut in half)
green onions
3 (chopped)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 dash (none)
pepper
1 dash (none)
sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the asparagus. Place the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces into a small strainer, then set it inside a larger bowl filled with one inch of water. Microwave on high for 3 minutes to lightly steam the asparagus. After microwaving, immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process, then drain and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled asparagus, diced yellow pepper, halved grape tomatoes, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and sunflower seeds. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper until the dressing is well combined.
4
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5
Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spring Garden Asparagus Salad?
It is a vibrant seasonal salad featuring tender steamed asparagus, diced yellow peppers, grape tomatoes, and a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing.
Is this asparagus salad recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains only vegetables, seeds, and a plant-based oil and vinegar dressing.
Is the Spring Garden Asparagus Salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including the vegetables, sunflower seeds, and vinegar, are naturally gluten-free.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 12 ingredients: fresh asparagus, yellow pepper, grape tomatoes, green onions, fresh parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and sunflower seeds.
How do I prepare the asparagus for this salad?
Trim the asparagus and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Steam them in the microwave with an inch of water for 3 minutes, then immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Why should I put the asparagus in ice water after steaming?
Placing the asparagus in ice water, also known as shocking, stops the cooking process immediately, keeping the vegetable bright green and tender-crisp.
Can I substitute the yellow pepper with something else?
Yes, you can use red or orange bell peppers if you prefer a different color or slightly different sweetness.
What type of tomatoes work best in this salad?
The recipe calls for grape tomatoes cut in half, but cherry tomatoes are an excellent substitute.
What is in the dressing for this asparagus salad?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
It is recommended to cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley provides the best flavor and color for this spring salad, you can use dried parsley if necessary, though you should reduce the amount.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from the diced yellow pepper and the addition of sunflower seeds.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, while red wine vinegar is recommended, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar would also work well in the dressing.
Is this salad suitable for a BBQ?
Absolutely! This vibrant and light salad is a perfect side dish for summer gatherings and BBQs.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for 2-3 days.
Do I need to peel the asparagus?
No, peeling is not necessary. Just trim the woody ends and cut the spears into bite-sized pieces.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
While the original recipe is vegan, adding crumbled feta or goat cheese would be a delicious addition if you prefer.
What can I substitute for sunflower seeds?
You can use pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted pine nuts, or slivered almonds as a substitute for sunflower seeds.
How do I mince the garlic for the dressing?
You can use a garlic press or finely chop one garlic clove with a knife until it reaches a paste-like consistency.
Is this a light meal or a side dish?
It can be both! It serves as a great light lunch or a refreshing side dish for a larger meal.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. It actually benefits from at least 30 minutes of chilling time.
What is the purpose of the Dijon mustard in the dressing?
Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier to help the oil and vinegar stay combined while adding a slight tang and depth of flavor.
Do I need a steamer basket for the asparagus?
No, you can simply use a small strainer set inside a larger bowl with an inch of water in the microwave.
Can I use green bell peppers instead of yellow?
Yes, but keep in mind that yellow peppers are generally sweeter and provide a brighter color contrast than green peppers.
How many green onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 chopped green onions.
Is the salad served cold?
Yes, the salad is best served chilled after the ingredients have marinated in the dressing.
Can I add protein to make it more filling?
Yes, adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or hard-boiled eggs would make this salad a more substantial main course.
How much asparagus do I need?
The recipe requires 1 lb of fresh asparagus.
What flavor profile does this salad have?
It is a zesty, fresh, and savory salad with a hint of sweetness from the peppers and tomatoes and a tang from the vinegar dressing.
Is there any salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for a dash of salt and a dash of pepper in the dressing to enhance the flavors.