If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant addition to your meals, this Asparagus Pea and Herb Salad with Dijon Dressing is just what you need! It’s bright, crunchy, and packed with spring flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
This salad solves dull meals, lack of fresh veggie options, and messy dressings by delivering quick prep, crisp asparagus, and a simple, bright dressing.
I know how hard it can be to keep salads from turning limp, especially with those tender greens. This recipe helps solve that problem by ensuring the greens stay fresh and crisp while also offering a tasty dressing that pulls it all together.
With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. Plus, using seasonal produce not only supports local farmers but also guarantees fresh flavors that shine in every bite. The unique maple Dijon dressing truly makes it stand out too!
If you love adding a bit of variety to your salads, this recipe won’t disappoint. If you’re in the mood for something different, try out this Rainbow Orzo Salad for a colorful twist!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Freshness The salad highlights seasonal produce, which means you’ll taste the freshness of spring in every bite. Using local ingredients just makes it even better.
- Texture With a mix of crunchy asparagus, sweet peas, and crisp radish, it’s a delightful play of textures that keeps things interesting in every forkful.
- Flavor The maple Dijon dressing adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the dish, making it a unique flavor experience that’s bright and herbaceous.
- Convenience It’s super easy to store the leftovers in the fridge without dressing, so you can enjoy it later without losing any freshness.
Delicious Asparagus Salad with Dressing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Salad
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
A refreshing salad combining asparagus, peas, and herbs, dressed with a maple and mustard vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 50 g snow peas or sugar snaps, cleaned
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 1/2 cups frozen broad beans, thawed and peeled
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 red radish or half a red onion, thinly sliced
- 120 g mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 41/2 teaspoons Chardonnay wine vinegar
- 21/2 teaspoons smooth Dijon mustard
- 21/2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- ample freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Your Greens: Start by rinsing the asparagus and peas under cold water, letting them glisten as you wash off any grit. Cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, avoiding over-cutting to maintain their tender yet crunchy texture.
- Quickly Blanch Asparagus: Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for just a couple of minutes until it is bright green and slightly tender. This step makes the texture crisp while maintaining a fresh flavor. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can become mushy instead of firm.
- Mix Dressing Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of vinegar until well combined and slightly thick. Ensure your bowl is large enough to avoid dressing splattering everywhere.
- Combine the Salad: Toss the blanched asparagus, peas, and fresh herbs in the bowl with the dressing. Avoid over-mixing to keep the greens looking fresh and vibrant.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and develop. Chilling enhances the crunch of the veggies, so do not rush this step.
- Adjust & Plate: After chilling, taste the salad and adjust seasoning as necessary—possibly adding a bit more mustard or a touch more sweetness. If the salad seems too salty, toss in another handful of greens for balance. Serve it fresh on a platter to showcase the beautiful green colors.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge without dressing to keep them fresh. Dress before serving later.
- Expert Tips: If the dressing is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of water or extra vinegar to thin it out.
- When steaming vegetables, keep an eye on them, aiming for around 3 to 5 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- For a salad that remains crisp, ensure all ingredients are fully dry. Consider using a salad spinner for best results.
- If the salad tastes too salty, incorporating more greens or fresh herbs can help balance the flavors.
- Individually peeling broad beans can enhance the overall texture and enjoyment of the salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Recipe Tips
- If you find your dressing is too thick, adding a tablespoon of water or extra vinegar can help thin it out smoothly.
- When steaming your vegetables, keep an eye on them and aim for around 3 to 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- For a salad that stays crisp, make sure to fully dry all ingredients and consider using a salad spinner for best results.
- If the salad tastes too salty, incorporating more greens or fresh herbs can help balance out the flavor profile nicely.
- For better texture, individually peeling broad beans can make a notable difference in the overall enjoyment of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this asparagus salad alongside quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal. Pair it with mixed grilled vegetables for a nutritious side option.
This salad works well in other dishes like grain bowls or wraps. Use it as a filling in lettuce cups or as a topping for baked items.
Top the salad with nuts or seeds for additional crunch. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Recipe variations
- You can use chickpeas instead of broad beans to change the protein source in your salad.
- Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice for a zesty twist in place of the Chardonnay wine vinegar.
- Either add avocado for creaminess or incorporate extra fresh herbs for more flavor.
- If serving a larger group, simply double the ingredients to accommodate eight servings instead of four.
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How to Store?
To keep your asparagus pea and herb salad with Dijon dressing fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days without dressing. Dress before serving.
Freezing: Wrap the salad components tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Serving Arrangement: Keep the dressing in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Combine just before serving.
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