Vibrant Asparagus & Feta Avocado Salad with Crunchy Pumpkin Seeds
Embrace the freshness of early summer with this delightful salad that perfectly balances textures and flavors. Crisp leaf lettuce pairs beautifully with tender steamed asparagus, complimented by creamy feta cheese and the delightful crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds. The unique dressing—a harmonious blend of tangy balsamic vinegar, nutty olive oil, and savory tamari—brings every ingredient together, enhancing the rich flavors without overpowering them. This salad makes a perfect main dish to share, and you'll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
leaf lettuce or Boston lettuce
1 bunch (washed, torn into pieces)
fresh asparagus
1 lb (trimmed and steamed)
green pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/3 cup (toasted)
feta cheese
1/2 lb (cut into 1 cm cubes)
olive oil
1/4 cup
balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons
tamari or soy sauce
1 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
celery seed
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the leaf lettuce. Tear it into bite-sized pieces or leave whole if using Boston lettuce. Set aside.
2
Next, trim the woody ends off the asparagus and steam it for about 3-5 minutes until it turns bright green and is tender yet firm.
3
Immediately transfer the steamed asparagus to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. This will help retain its vibrant color and crunch.
4
Once the asparagus is cool, drain it well and slice it into 1-inch pieces.
5
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the green pumpkin seeds. Stir them frequently until they start to pop and turn a light golden brown, then quickly transfer them to a plate to cool.
6
Cut the feta cheese into 1 cm cubes, allowing it to crumble slightly, enhancing the salad's texture.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tamari (or soy sauce), Worcestershire sauce, ground pepper, cumin, and celery seed until well combined.
8
In a large salad bowl, layer the torn lettuce, followed by the chopped asparagus, feta cubes, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Drizzle the dressing generously over the top just before serving for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Vibrant Asparagus & Feta Avocado Salad with Crunchy Pumpkin Seeds.
How many servings does this salad make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of lettuce is recommended?
You can use leaf lettuce or Boston lettuce.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
The lettuce should be washed and torn into bite-sized pieces.
How much asparagus is needed?
1 pound of fresh asparagus is required.
How long should I steam the asparagus?
Steam the asparagus for about 3-5 minutes until it is bright green and tender yet firm.
What is the purpose of the ice water bath for the asparagus?
Immediately transferring steamed asparagus to ice water halts the cooking process and helps retain its vibrant color and crunch.
How should the asparagus be sliced?
Once cooled and drained, slice the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
How do I toast the pumpkin seeds?
Toast the green pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they start to pop and turn light golden brown.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pound of feta cheese.
How should the feta cheese be cut?
Cut the feta cheese into 1 cm cubes.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground pepper, cumin, and celery seed.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
What is the amount of balsamic vinegar needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Can I use soy sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1 teaspoon of either tamari or soy sauce.
How much Worcestershire sauce is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
What amount of ground cumin is used?
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin is included in the dressing.
How much celery seed is in the recipe?
The dressing contains 1/4 teaspoon of celery seed.
When should the dressing be added?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad generously just before serving for maximum freshness.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly salad recipe.
What season is this salad best for?
It is described as a perfect dish to embrace the freshness of early summer.
What is the prep for pumpkin seeds?
The green pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, should be toasted before assembly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What should I do with the asparagus before steaming?
Trim the woody ends off the fresh asparagus stalks.
How do I layer the salad?
Layer the torn lettuce first, followed by chopped asparagus, feta cubes, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
What provides the 'crunch' in this recipe?
The crunch comes from the toasted pumpkin seeds and the firm steamed asparagus.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
How much pumpkin seeds are required?
You will need 1/3 cup of green pumpkin seeds.
Is there a specific way to cool the pumpkin seeds?
Quickly transfer them from the skillet to a plate to cool after they turn golden brown.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, asparagus, feta, pumpkin seeds, healthy, summer recipe, vegetarian, fresh, and easy.