Today, I’m thrilled to bring you an Asparagus Salad recipe that epitomises the beauty of simplicity and the joy of seasonal eating. This vibrant dish combines crisp asparagus and sweet strawberries with macerated red onions, fresh mint, homemade croutons, and a light vinaigrette, proving that simplicity can elevate a meal to something truly spectacular.
Let’s talk about the stars of this show: asparagus and strawberries, a duo that might seem unexpected but is utterly delightful. The crisp, green snap of asparagus pairs beautifully with the lush, ripe sweetness of strawberries, creating a refreshing and vibrant contrast. Adding macerated red onions provides a gentle acidic bite that enlivens the overall flavours, making each forkful exciting.
The homemade croutons, tossed in just before serving, introduce a delightful crunch, ensuring every bite includes a bit of that irresistible toasty texture. They’re made from stale sourdough bread, which we cube and toast until golden brown—a wonderful trick for bringing new life to day-old bread.
And let’s not forget the dressing—a simple concoction of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and finely chopped shallots that dresses this salad lightly but effectively, coating each component in a velvety vinaigrette that binds all the diverse flavours together beautifully. Sprinkling crumbled feta over the top introduces a creamy, salty touch that perfectly complements the fresh, crisp textures and flavours of this asparagus salad recipe.
This Asparagus and Strawberry Salad isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of spring’s bounty, perfect for a warm day or as a standout side at any gathering. So, why not give this recipe a try? It’s straightforward, it’s delicious, and it might just be the fresh take on spring salad you’ve been looking for. Dive into the freshness, and enjoy the best of what the season has to offer!
Why You’ll Love This Asparagus Salad Recipe:
Seasonal Freshness: Celebrate spring with crisp asparagus and sweet strawberries, bringing vibrant flavors to your table.
Effortless Elegance: A handful of ingredients create a stunning, delicious dish perfect for impressing guests.
Texture Delight: Enjoy the crunch of homemade croutons, tender asparagus, and creamy feta in every bite.
Flavour Explosion: Sweet strawberries, zesty onions, and savory feta offer a refreshing, indulgent taste sensation.
Versatile: Ideal as a light lunch, a dinner side, or a standout dish for gatherings.
Quick and Easy: Comes together fast, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Healthy: Packed with fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients for a delicious, healthful meal.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Asparagus and Strawberry Salad
Elevate this Asparagus Salad with Strawberries into a meal perfectly complemented by these delicious pairings that bring out the best in every bite.
Grilled Chicken: Complements the fresh, vibrant flavours with smoky, protein-rich goodness.
Seared Salmon: Adds a rich, buttery texture that balances the crispness of the salad.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the vinaigrette and adding extra crunch.
Quiche: A savoury vegetable or cheese quiche pairs well for a balanced meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Adds depth with warm, caramelised flavours that enhance the fresh salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can prepare the croutons and macerate the onions ahead of time. Store the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature and the onions in the refrigerator. You can also blanch the asparagus in advance and keep it in the fridge.
Yes, grilling asparagus adds a lovely smoky flavor to the salad. Simply toss the asparagus with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender.
You can substitute strawberries with other types of fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, pomegranate arils, or cubed mango. These options add a refreshing sweetness and vibrant color to the salad.
Would you like to try out more recipes for green asparagus salad?
Then try one of these favorite green asparagus recipes:
- Asparagus Potato Salad with Peas and Herbs
- Asparagus Salad with Mixed Beans, Lemon and Herbs
- Asparagus and Mango Salad
Asparagus Salad with Strawberries and Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 bunch green asparagus, tough ends trimmed (500 g)
- 200 g strawberries, sliced
- A handful of fresh mint leave, chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
- 85 g feta cheese, crumbled
For the croutons:
- 2 slices day-old sourdough bread, cubed or torn into bite-size pieces (about 125 g)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
For the dressing:
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Method
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Macerate the Onion: In a small bowl, combine the sliced onion with 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar. Let it sit for 20 minutes to soften and lightly pickle the onions.
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Prepare the Croutons: While the onions are macerating, preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C (180°C fan-assisted). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the bread pieces on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, toss, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 5-6 minutes until crisp and golden. Monitor closely to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. If the bread is not crisp enough, it may need 2-3 more minutes.
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Blanch the Asparagus: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add water to a depth of about 2,5 cm and bring to a simmer. Add the asparagus and cover, allowing it to steam for about 3 minutes, until just tender but still slightly crunchy in the center. Immediately remove the asparagus from the skillet and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the blanched asparagus, macerated onions (without the vinegar), sliced strawberries, and chopped mint. Toss gently.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients (olive oil, red wine vinegar, shallot, salt, and pepper). Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Add the crumbled feta cheese and the croutons and toss gently to combine.
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Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Enjoy this aspargus salad recipe with a light, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio which enhances the salad’s freshness.
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