Looking for a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than this vibrant Green Salad with Asparagus and Lemon Vinaigrette! Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side for your dinner table, this salad combines crisp mixed greens, tender asparagus, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a zesty lemon dressing. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will elevate your salad game and impress your guests. Dive into the world of fresh ingredients and discover how to create a salad that’s not just a side, but a star of your meal!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly and trimming off the tough woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
- Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus pieces for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- Drain the asparagus and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Wash the mixed greens and spin or pat dry to remove excess water.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, blanched asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, ensuring the salad remains crisp and fresh.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, select the freshest mixed greens and asparagus you can find. Look for bright green, firm asparagus and vibrant greens.
- Blanching Technique: When blanching the asparagus, make sure to act quickly! The ice bath is crucial for stopping the cooking process and maintaining that beautiful green color.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix and match your greens! Spinach, arugula, or even kale can add different flavors and textures to your salad.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the vinaigrette in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before drizzling it over the salad.
- Add Protein: If you want to make this salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Serve Fresh: For the best experience, serve the salad immediately after tossing it with the vinaigrette to ensure all the ingredients remain crisp and fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 126kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
