Spring Salad With Fresh Asparagus

Short Description

Celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season with this refreshing Spring Salad with Fresh Asparagus. Featuring tender-crisp asparagus, sweet peas, radishes, and creamy goat cheese tossed in a light vinaigrette, this salad is a true ode to spring. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch, a side dish at dinner, or a standout item at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Highlights seasonal produce at its freshest
• Packed with color, texture, and nutrition
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Elegant enough for entertaining
• Customizable with different dressings or toppings
• Light yet satisfying, perfect for warmer weather
• Naturally gluten-free
• Can be made vegetarian or vegan with simple swaps
• Delicious served chilled or at room temperature
• A great way to enjoy asparagus beyond steaming or roasting

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• Frozen green peas, thawed
• Radishes, thinly sliced
• Crumbled goat cheese
• Roasted sunflower seeds
• Butter lettuce or mixed greens
• Microgreens (optional)

For the dressing:

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus for about 2 minutes until tender-crisp, then transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
2. In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, thawed peas, sliced radishes, and lettuce.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Top with crumbled goat cheese, sunflower seeds, and microgreens if using.
6. Serve immediately or chill for 20–30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes (blanching asparagus)
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Substitute feta or shaved Parmesan for goat cheese.
• Add sliced avocado or hard-boiled eggs for extra richness.
• Swap sunflower seeds for toasted almonds or walnuts.
• Use arugula or baby spinach instead of butter lettuce.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
• For a vegan version, use vegan mayo and omit the cheese or replace with a dairy-free alternative.

Storage/reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. This salad is not recommended for freezing, and reheating is not necessary as it is meant to be served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

How do I know when asparagus is perfectly blanched?

Asparagus should be bright green and tender-crisp. Blanch for about 2 minutes and then immediately transfer to an ice bath.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance. Keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before serving.

What if I don’t have champagne vinegar?

You can substitute white wine vinegar or even lemon juice for a similar tangy effect.

Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this salad is vegetarian as long as the cheese and mayonnaise used are free of animal rennet and gelatin.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Use a vegan mayonnaise and omit or replace the goat cheese with a plant-based alternative.

Can I use canned vegetables instead of fresh?

Fresh vegetables are recommended for texture and flavor, but canned peas can be used in a pinch (rinse them well).

What other dressings go well with this salad?

A lemon vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette, or herbed yogurt dressing would pair nicely.

How do I keep lettuce from wilting?

Dry the lettuce thoroughly after washing and add dressing only when ready to serve.

Can I add grains like quinoa or farro?

Yes, cooked and cooled grains make the salad more filling and add great texture.

Is this salad kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if you adjust the ingredients to suit your child’s preferences—milder cheese and finely chopped vegetables help.

Conclusion

This Spring Salad with Fresh Asparagus is a celebration of seasonal ingredients and light, refreshing flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a beautiful starter for a springtime dinner, this salad delivers both in taste and presentation. With its simple preparation and flexible ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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