Zesty Asparagus & White Bean Salad with Feta and Lemon-Mint Dressing
This refreshing Zesty Asparagus & White Bean Salad is a vibrant combination of tender asparagus, creamy white beans, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with a zesty lemon-mint dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for barbecues and gatherings, this salad not only delights the palate but also delivers a nutritious punch with protein-packed beans and fresh vegetables. Enjoy it at room temperature or chilled for a delightful summer treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
asparagus
1 lb (tough ends trimmed, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon (grated)
lemon juice
2 teaspoons (none)
mint
1 teaspoon (chopped, plus more leaves for garnish)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly-ground)
white beans
1 cup (drained and rinsed)
feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
radish
1/2 cup (thinly-sliced)
scallions
2 tablespoons (thinly-sliced, both green and white parts)
Instructions
1
Begin by steaming the asparagus: In a large pot with a steamer insert, pour in 1 1/2 inches of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the asparagus pieces to the steamer, cover, and steam until they're tender but still firm, about 4 to 7 minutes. Once done, immediately drain the asparagus and rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
2
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing: whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, grated lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped mint, salt, and freshly-ground black pepper until well combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed white beans, crumbled feta cheese, thinly-sliced radishes, scallions, and the steamed asparagus pieces. Pour the dressing over the salad, and gently toss everything together to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
4
Serve the salad at room temperature or refrigerate it for a while to serve chilled. Garnish with additional mint leaves before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Asparagus & White Bean Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant salad combining tender steamed asparagus, creamy white beans, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-mint dressing.
How do I prepare the asparagus?
Trim the tough ends, cut the stalks diagonally into 1-inch pieces, and steam them for 4 to 7 minutes until tender-firm.
How long does it take to steam the asparagus?
The asparagus should be steamed for approximately 4 to 7 minutes.
Why should I rinse the asparagus under cold water?
Rinsing under cold running water immediately after steaming halts the cooking process, keeping the asparagus firm and green.
What are the ingredients for the lemon-mint dressing?
The dressing is made of extra virgin olive oil, grated lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped fresh mint, salt, and freshly-ground black pepper.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of white beans, which should be drained and rinsed before use.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian as it contains vegetables, beans, and feta cheese.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can easily make this vegan by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based feta alternative.
How should the radishes be prepared?
The radishes should be thinly sliced before being added to the mixing bowl.
Which parts of the scallions are used?
Both the green and white parts of the scallions should be thinly sliced and included.
How much feta cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Can I serve this salad chilled?
Yes, you can serve it at room temperature or refrigerate it to serve chilled.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves to add color and extra freshness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How much asparagus is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of asparagus.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
While fresh mint is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried mint in a smaller quantity, though the fresh version provides a more vibrant taste.
How do I make the dressing?
Whisk the olive oil, zest, juice, mint, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl until well combined.
What tools do I need for the asparagus?
You will need a large pot with a steamer insert and a source of cold running water for rinsing.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
Can I prepare this salad for a barbecue?
Yes, it is described as a perfect side dish for barbecues and gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the dressing.
Is this salad a light meal?
Yes, it is suitable as a light lunch or a nutritious side dish.
What is the texture of the salad?
It features a combination of tender-firm asparagus, creamy beans, and crunchy sliced radishes.
How much lemon zest is added?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon zest.
How much salt and pepper are needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper.
Should I toss the salad before serving?
Yes, pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure an even coat.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, the salad can be refrigerated, making it a great option for meal prep.
What makes the salad 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh mint provides the zesty flavor profile.
Is there protein in this salad?
Yes, the protein-packed white beans and feta cheese provide a nutritious protein punch.