Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Feta

This asparagus salad options tender asparagus spears mixed with purple onion and parsley tossed in a lemon feta dressing.

I’m channeling spring with this tremendous easy asparagus and feta salad. It’s mild, contemporary and such an ideal aspect dish.

This straightforward asparagus salad recipe pairs crisp, blanched asparagus with purple onion, parsley, and a tangy lemon feta dressing that’s downright irresistible. It’s the right aspect dish for spring and summer time meals, whether or not you’re internet hosting a brunch, grilling out, or simply want a fast and wholesome salad to prep for the week.

And when you love contemporary, easy salads, you’ve bought to strive my arugula salad or this straightforward kale salad for extra scrumptious choices!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crisp & refreshing – Blanching the asparagus retains it vibrant inexperienced and completely tender with a little bit chew.
Gentle, but satisfying – The combo of contemporary veggies, salty feta, and tangy lemon dressing makes for a wonderfully balanced salad.
So fast to make – Simply blanch the asparagus, toss all the things collectively, and revel in!
Good for meal prep – This salad holds up effectively, making it an incredible make-ahead dish for busy days.

Elements Wanted

You solely want just a few easy elements to make this contemporary asparagus salad, and I guess you have already got most of them available!

asparagus – the star of the present! Contemporary, crisp, and barely candy, asparagus is scrumptious when blanched to maintain its vibrant colour and tender chew.
purple onion – provides a little bit of crunch and a pop of sharp taste to steadiness the delicate sweetness of the asparagus.
feta cheese – crumbly, creamy, and simply salty sufficient to convey all of the flavors collectively.
contemporary parsley – a little bit contemporary parsley brightens up the entire salad.
lemon feta dressing – a easy however flavorful mixture of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, crumbled feta, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. This dressing provides a tangy, barely creamy chew that pairs completely with the crisp asparagus and purple onion.

Variations

This asparagus feta salad is scrumptious as-is, however there are many methods to modify issues up primarily based on what you have got available or what flavors you’re craving! Listed below are some concepts:

Add grains: Make it heartier by serving it over cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice.
Swap the cheese: Not a fan of feta? Attempt goat cheese for a tangy, creamy twist or parmesan for a extra savory, nutty taste.
Add a crunch: Toss in toasted almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts for additional texture and taste.
Use a unique dressing: This salad is wonderful with the lemon feta dressing, however you may additionally strive balsamic French dressing, purple wine French dressing, or perhaps a mild honey mustard dressing.

How you can Make Asparagus Salad

Step 1: Whisk collectively the dressing elements in a small bowl. Put aside.

Step 2: Chop trimmed asparagus spears into thirds, on the diagonal.

Step 3: Add asparagus to boiling water and cook dinner for 1-2 minutes. Switch spears instantly into the ice bathtub and let chill for a couple of minutes then take away with the slotted spoon or tongs. Switch asparagus to a big plate lined with a clear kitchen towel to dry.

Step 4: In a big bowl, gently toss collectively blanched asparagus spears, purple onion, parsley and dressing. Serve salad with ¼ cup feta on prime.

Suggestions for the Greatest Asparagus Salad

Improve your feta: If attainable, use block feta cheese and crumble it your self. It’s creamier and extra flavorful than pre-crumbled feta.
Blanch the asparagus excellent: You need the asparagus to be vibrant inexperienced and barely crisp, not mushy. A fast 1-2 minute boil adopted by a direct ice bathtub stops the cooking course of and retains it completely tender-crisp.
Slice the onions thinly: Purple onions add a pleasant chew, but when they’re too overpowering, soak them in chilly water for 10 minutes earlier than including them to the salad. This mellows their sharpness whereas protecting their crunch.
Let the flavors meld: In case you have time, let the salad sit within the fridge for about half-hour earlier than serving. This permits the dressing to soak into the asparagus and enhances the general taste.

Serving Recommendations

Whether or not you’re serving this salad as a aspect or making it half of a bigger meal, listed here are some scrumptious methods to get pleasure from it:

How you can Retailer Asparagus Salad

Within the fridge – Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. The flavors proceed to develop, however the asparagus might soften barely over time.

Make forward tip – If prepping prematurely, hold the dressing separate till able to serve to forestall the asparagus from changing into too tender.

Steadily Requested Questions

Is asparagus salad served heat or chilly?

This asparagus salad recipe is greatest served chilly or at room temperature after blanching the asparagus. The cooling course of retains it crisp and refreshing!

What can I exploit as a substitute of feta cheese?

When you’re not a fan of feta, strive utilizing goat cheese, parmesan shavings, and even crumbled blue cheese for a unique taste twist.