Looking for a light and refreshing dish that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this vibrant Asparagus Salad with Dijon Mustard Sauce and Chopped Eggs! Bursting with flavors and colors, this French-inspired recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful way to enjoy the crispness of asparagus. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad can be whipped up in just 20 minutes! Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus, usually about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water. This will help season the asparagus as it cooks.
- Carefully add the trimmed asparagus to the boiling water. Blanch the asparagus for about 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the stalks. You want them to be bright green and tender-crisp.
- While the asparagus is cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. Once the asparagus has cooked, immediately transfer it to the ice bath using a slotted spoon. This will stop the cooking process and help retain the vibrant color.
- After the asparagus has cooled for a few minutes, drain it well and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a small bowl, prepare the Dijon mustard sauce. Combine 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar. Whisk together until the mixture is well blended and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a serving bowl, combine the cooled asparagus and the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle the Dijon mustard sauce over the top of the salad.
- Gently toss the salad to coat the asparagus and eggs evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to break the eggs too much.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the asparagus salad immediately, or refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your refreshing Asparagus Salad with Dijon Mustard Sauce and Chopped Eggs!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: When selecting asparagus, look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips. Fresh asparagus will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
- Perfect Blanching: To achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture, keep a close eye on the asparagus while blanching. The cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the stalks, so taste a piece to ensure it’s just right!
- Ice Bath Magic: Don’t skip the ice bath! This step is crucial for locking in the vibrant green color and crispness of the asparagus. It also helps prevent overcooking.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the Dijon mustard sauce to your liking. Add a dash of honey for sweetness or a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra kick!
- Serving Suggestions: For an added touch, consider garnishing your salad with toasted nuts or crumbled feta cheese. These additions will bring extra flavor and texture to your dish.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for about 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator!
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick, healthy meal. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.Enjoy crafting this delightful Asparagus Salad, and watch it become a favorite at your table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
