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Chilled Asparagus Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Chilled Asparagus Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Looking for a refreshing dish that combines vibrant flavors and stunning presentation? Look no further than this Chilled Asparagus Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette! Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a light side dish, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also a feast for the eyes. Imagine crisp-tender asparagus drizzled with a zesty lemon Dijon vinaigrette, topped with delicate shavings of Parmesan cheese. It’s a culinary delight that will leave your guests raving and asking for more. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. asparagus
  2. olive oil
  3. lemon juice
  4. dijon mustard
  5. salt
  6. pepper
  7. parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears by bending each spear until it naturally breaks at the tender point.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Prepare a separate large bowl with ice water for blanching.
  3. Carefully place asparagus spears into the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
  4. Immediately transfer asparagus to the ice water bath using tongs to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
  5. Once completely cooled, remove asparagus from ice water and pat dry thoroughly with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the vinaigrette.
  7. Arrange the chilled asparagus on a serving platter in a single layer.
  8. Drizzle the lemon Dijon vinaigrette evenly over the asparagus.
  9. Using a vegetable peeler, shave thin ribbons of fresh Parmesan cheese over the top of the dressed asparagus.
  10. Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips

  1. Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green asparagus spears with tightly closed tips for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Perfect Blanching: Don't skip the ice water bath! This step is crucial for preserving the asparagus's vibrant color and crispness. Make sure the water is icy cold.
  3. Customize Your Vinaigrette: Feel free to adjust the proportions of lemon juice and Dijon mustard to suit your taste. A little honey can also add a touch of sweetness if desired.
  4. Presentation Matters: For a beautiful presentation, arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the serving platter and drizzle the vinaigrette just before serving.
  5. Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time! Prepare it up to 30 minutes in advance to allow the flavors to meld, but keep the vinaigrette separate until just before serving for maximum freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 70kcal

Carbohydrates: 3g

Protein: 3g

Fat: 6g

Saturated Fat: g

Cholesterol: 5mg

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