Zesty Chilled Asparagus Delight
This Zesty Chilled Asparagus Delight is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. With its crisp-tender asparagus tossed in your choice of flavorful dressing, each bite is a burst of freshness. Whether enjoyed as a starter for a dinner party or as a side for a summer barbecue, this easy-to-prepare dish can be made a day or two ahead, making it exceptionally convenient for busy cooks. The addition of lemon slices not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the freshness of the asparagus, complemented beautifully by the aromatic herbs. Impress your guests without the stress!
8
Servings
40
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Asparagus
2 lbs (Trimmed, approximately 3 inches off the ends)
Lemon
1/2 (Sliced into thin slices)
Bottled Salad Dressing
1 1/4 cups (Any kind; recommended: Greek, Balsamic, or Honey Mustard)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming the asparagus, cutting off approximately 3 inches from the ends to prepare them for steaming.
2
Fill a pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil. Place the asparagus in a steamer basket and steam until they are cooked yet still firm, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3
Once cooked, carefully drain the water from the steamer and transfer the asparagus to a plate to cool slightly.
4
While the asparagus is still warm, drizzle your choice of bottled salad dressing over the top, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5
Allow the asparagus to cool for a few minutes, then arrange them artfully on a serving platter.
6
Garnish with thin slices of lemon and sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for added freshness and color.
7
Cover the platter with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
3.1g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Chilled Asparagus Delight?
It is a vibrant and refreshing vegetable dish featuring crisp-tender asparagus tossed in a flavorful dressing, chilled, and garnished with lemon and herbs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
How long should I steam the asparagus?
The asparagus should be steamed for approximately 3 to 5 minutes until it is cooked but still firm.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this dish can be made a day or two ahead of time, which makes it very convenient for busy cooks.
What kind of salad dressing is recommended for this recipe?
You can use any bottled salad dressing, but Greek, Balsamic, or Honey Mustard dressings are highly recommended.
How much asparagus is needed?
The recipe requires 2 pounds of fresh asparagus.
How much of the asparagus ends should be trimmed?
You should trim approximately 3 inches off the ends of the asparagus to remove the woody parts.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegan, provided you choose a vegan-friendly bottled dressing.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 40 calories.
How long does the asparagus need to chill?
The dish should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Why do I drizzle the dressing while the asparagus is still warm?
Drizzling the dressing over warm asparagus helps the vegetable better absorb the flavors of the dressing as it cools.
What garnishes are used in this recipe?
The dish is garnished with thin slices of lemon and chopped parsley for extra freshness and color.
What are the macronutrients for this dish?
Per serving, there are 2.5g of fat, 3.1g of carbohydrates, and 1.25g of protein.
Can I use fresh lemon in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for half a lemon, sliced thin, to enhance the freshness and visual appeal.
Is this a good side dish for a barbecue?
Yes, its light and refreshing nature makes it an excellent side for summer barbecues.
How much salad dressing should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of bottled salad dressing.
What is the primary vegetable category for this dish?
This dish is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Does this recipe include any sugar or sodium information?
The specific sugar and sodium counts are not provided in the nutrition facts for this recipe.
How should I arrange the asparagus for serving?
After cooling and coating with dressing, arrange the stalks artfully on a serving platter.
Should I cover the dish while it is in the refrigerator?
Yes, you should cover the platter with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator to chill.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 3 main ingredients: asparagus, lemon, and bottled salad dressing.
What is the desired texture of the cooked asparagus?
The asparagus should be crisp-tender, meaning it is cooked through but still retains a slight snap.
Is this dish considered a healthy side?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish and contains only 40 calories per serving.
Can I use this as a party appetizer?
Yes, it is tagged as a party appetizer and is great for serving a crowd.
Is there a recommended way to boil the water?
Fill a pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil before placing the steamer basket inside.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
The fiber content is not specified in the provided recipe data.
Can I use this recipe for a special occasion?
Yes, the recipe is specifically described as being perfect for special occasions due to its vibrant appearance.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 2.5g of fat per serving.
What should I do once the asparagus is finished steaming?
Drain the water from the steamer and transfer the asparagus to a plate to cool slightly before adding the dressing.
Is it easy to impress guests with this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is designed to help you impress your guests without the stress of complicated preparation.