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A fresh and vibrant cold asparagus salad with goat cheese, lemon zest, and radish.

Cold Asparagus Salad with Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette

Allie Hagerty
Try this refreshing and vibrant Cold Asparagus Salad with fresh asparagus and creamy goat cheese! It's perfect for spring or summer.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Lunch, Salad
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Microplane grater or zester
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Serving platter or bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 3 bunches of fresh asparagus about 1.5 pounds or 680g, trimmed
  • 3/4 cup peas 110g
  • 3/4 cup snap or sugar peas
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (mint, parsley, dill, etc.)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 4-6 radishes thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts 60g
  • 2/3 cup 160ml olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 3 teaspoons honey adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper adjust to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the asparagus by trimming off the tough ends and blanching them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they're bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to maintain their vibrant color. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
  • If using fresh peas, shell some of them to use in the salad, leaving some in the pod for visual appeal. If using frozen peas, thaw them under cold water and drain well.
  • In a large bowl, combine the blanched asparagus, shelled peas, peas in the pod, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, sliced radishes, and toasted pine nuts.
  • Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities to taste.
  • Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  • Crumble the goat cheese over the top of the salad.
  • Serve the salad family-style on a large platter or in a serving bowl.

Notes

Serve at room temperature - Allow the salad to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
Garnish before serving - Crumble the goat cheese and sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the salad just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Don't overcook asparagus - When blanching, Be careful not to overcook the asparagus. It should be tender-crisp to maintain its texture and vibrant color.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 376kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 7gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 255mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 816IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 2mg
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