Description
A fresh and flavorful asparagus salad that’s perfect for spring and summer. This easy-to-make recipe features tender asparagus, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, crunchy almonds, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with textures and flavor. Serve it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a beautiful starter at your next gathering — it’s versatile, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether warm or cold, this salad brings a refreshing twist to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup toasted almonds (slivered or chopped)
2. For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim and prep the asparagus. Blanch in boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes, then shock in ice water. Alternatively, grill with olive oil for 3–4 minutes.
- Pat asparagus dry and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine asparagus, tomatoes, onion, feta, and almonds.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier version.
- Make it vegan by using plant-based feta and maple syrup instead of honey.
- This salad is best served fresh but holds well for up to a day in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: Blanching or Grilling
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean Inspired