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Asparagus White Bean Salad

Asparagus White Bean Salad

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s as vibrant as it is nutritious? This Asparagus White Bean Salad combines the crisp, fresh flavors of tender asparagus with the creamy goodness of white beans, all brought together with a zesty dressing that will have you coming back for seconds! Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side at your next gathering, this Italian-inspired salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with protein and fiber. Dive into this recipe and discover how to elevate your salad game with just a few simple ingredients!

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
  2. 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  3. 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  4. 2 tbsp olive oil
  5. 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the tough woody ends by gently bending each spear until it naturally breaks at its natural breaking point.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a separate bowl of ice water for blanching the asparagus.
  3. Add trimmed asparagus to boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer asparagus to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant color.
  4. Drain the asparagus and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Cut into 2-inch diagonal pieces.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained white beans, diced red onion, and blanched asparagus pieces.
  6. In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  7. Pour the dressing over the asparagus and bean mixture, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
  8. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad just before serving.
  9. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together.
  10. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.

Tips

  1. Choose Fresh Asparagus: When selecting asparagus, look for firm, bright green spears with closed tips. Fresh asparagus will give your salad the best flavor and texture.
  2. Perfectly Blanch: To achieve that vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, don’t skip the ice water bath after blanching. It halts the cooking process and keeps your asparagus looking and tasting fresh.
  3. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! Add minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a dash of Dijon mustard for an extra kick.
  4. Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
  5. Feta Alternatives: If you're not a fan of feta cheese, try substituting it with goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free option.
  6. Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served on a bed of mixed greens for a heartier meal.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 180kcal

Carbohydrates: 20g

Protein: 10g

Fat: 8g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 5mg

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