Want a salad that’s as tasty as it is versatile? Enter: asparagus salad! It’s got savory sauteed asparagus, cooked up in a hot pan for a few minutes then spritzed with lemon. Add that to a bed of greens and sprinkle with peppery radishes and salty feta cheese. A Dijon mustard dressing tops it off, perfectly balanced with tangy and savory notes. Even better: you can serve as a side dish, or add protein and make it a main dish salad. When Alex served it to me, I exclaimed “Yum!” halfway into the first bite—which was when we knew we had to share the recipe.
Ingredients in asparagus salad
This asparagus salad is a spring salad starring the season’s most popular vegetable! Asparagus is usually available most of the year, but it’s best in March through June. If you can find this veggie at a local farmers market, make sure to pick some up! The best asparagus is fresh and locally grown. Here are the key ingredients in this recipe:
Asparagus: This salad stars sauteed asparagus, cooked in a hot pan and squeezed with lemon. It’s a nice contrast to the fresh ingredients. Radishes and red onion: Peppery radishes add a kick, and onions a savory note. Substitute green onion if you like. Feta cheese: This cheese adds a punch of savory saltiness. Substitute goat cheese crumbles or shaved Parmesan cheese if desired. Lemon zest: Zest adds citrusy, bright notes; you can use the lemon from the sauteed asparagus. Dijon dressing: This healthy dressing takes just 5 minutes to make and covers the entire salad with a tangy brightness.
How to make asparagus salad: step by step
This asparagus salad comes together quickly: the longest lead time item is sauteing the asparagus! Here is the basic outline:
Ways to serve this asparagus salad
This salad is so versatile, you can serve it with just about anything! It’s up there in our list of our favorite salad recipes. Here are a few ways we’d recommend:
Plant-based proteins like quinoa, canned chickpeas, white beans, baked tofu Hard boiled eggs Seafood like sauteed shrimp, baked salmon or blackened salmon, or Chicken like grilled chicken or blackened chicken.
A few more asparagus recipes
Looking to add more asparagus to your life? Try these top asparagus recipes:
This baked asparagus and roasted asparagus are a hit with everyone! Go for fan-favorite broiled asparagus, boiled asparagus, or blanched asparagus. Mix up a pan of asparagus risotto. Opt for shaved asparagus salad featuring raw asparagus, which tastes mild and sweet!
Frequently asked questions
5 from 1 review **You can also make steamed asparagus or blanched asparagus, making sure to season the asparagus with salt and toss with a bit of olive oil. Storage notes: This salad is best the day it is made. Leftovers store up to 2 days refrigerated, but the greens wilt over time. If making ahead, store all components in separate containers without the dressing. Make the dressing in advance and refrigerate; allow it to come to room temperature before serving. Assemble the salad directly before serving.
