Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my cold asparagus salad, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Salad:
Asparagus – The star of the show! I prefer thin to medium asparagus spears for salads, as they are sweeter, and luckily this thickness is more common in the spring anyway. Thick ones can work too, though. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces, so that they are bite-sized for your asparagus salad. Other Veggies – I also include halved cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes work as well), red onions sliced into thin quarter moons, and fresh peas (but I’ve made this with thawed frozen peas and they work fine). Feta Cheese – Adds a creamy, tangy contrast. If you’re looking for substitutions, try crumbled goat cheese, cubed mozzarella, or shaved parmesan cheese (my second-favorite for this recipe after feta). For a dairy-free option, just omit the cheese. Fresh Herbs – I only used fresh basil leaves, but other herbs (like mint, parsley, or chives) would also be tasty additions to the flavors we have going here.
Dressing:
Olive Oil – I use extra virgin olive oil here for its rich flavor, but you could use regular olive oil or even avocado oil if you prefer a milder taste. Lemon Juice – For convenience, I just used bottled lemon juice. If you have the time, use fresh lemon juice. You can even throw in some of the lemon zest as well. Dijon Mustard – Adds a tangy depth to the dressing and helps it emulsify. If you need a substitute, whole grain mustard or a smaller amount of regular yellow mustard can work well for a slightly different flavor. Not a fan of mustard at all? Feel free to omit it, or add honey if you want more sweetness instead (sometimes I like mine with a little natural sugar-free honey). Spices – Garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to round out the flavor of the dressing.
How To Make Asparagus Salad
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Sometimes I like to toss in slivered almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store: This salad really tastes best made fresh, but if you know you won’t eat it all at once, I recommend storing the asparagus salad and dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They last for up to 3 days this way. When I had the dressing already added, the leftovers lasted only 1 day before they didn’t look or taste very good. Also, if you can, add the basil only right before serving. Meal prep: Cut the veggies, blanch the asparagus, and make the dressing. Refrigerate in separate containers for up to 3 days until you are ready to assemble the salad.
Serving Suggestions
I usually just serve this asparagus salad recipe with a protein on the side for an easy spring meal, but it’s also so pretty for a special dinner. Here are some ideas that go nicely with it: You could toss it into the salad raw, but I much prefer the texture after blanching. It only takes a couple of minutes!
Make it a meal salad – This salad makes for an easy light lunch if you just add some protein. Simply add some sauteed shrimp, juicy grilled chicken breast, or slices of grilled tuna steak on top. Steak – For everyday quick meals, I like to make air fryer sirloin steak, because I can make the asparagus salad while it cooks. If you want to get a little fancy, pair the salad with a air fried filet mignon (just as easy as the sirloin!) or a juicy ribeye (make it after your salad is done). Chicken – If whether permits, you can’t go wrong with some grilled chicken thighs. (I love that I now live in a place where I can grill year-round and am trying to take advantage of this!) If you can’t, my creamy lemon chicken would also bring all the zesty flavors together. Seafood – I like to grill lobster tails for date nights at home with my husband, but my easy baked salmon or seared scallops make super quick weeknight meals. For comforting twist, make shrimp scampi. Pork – Serve the salad alongside a piece of crispy pork belly or a grilled pork chop seasoned with a blend of herbs.
More Asparagus Recipes For Spring
Craving more ideas to use your fresh spring produce? Check my other simple and tasty asparagus recipes next: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
