There’s something about a salad that feels both simple and sophisticated—like a good book paired with a cup of tea. This Fresh Asparagus Tomato Feta Salad is a little like that, with the crisp asparagus dancing alongside juicy tomatoes and creamy feta, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s like a summer picnic in a bowl, even if it’s pouring outside.
Steps
- Start by boiling a large pot of water. While waiting for it to boil, make the vinaigrette by simmering balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until it reduces by half, approximately 3 minutes. Transfer the reduced vinegar to a bowl, add olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and whisk everything together, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the water is boiling, add the asparagus pieces and cook until they are tender-crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Prepare a bowl filled with ice and cold water. Drain the asparagus and immediately submerge it in the ice water for about 10 seconds before draining thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked asparagus, halved grape tomatoes, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Sprinkle half of the crumbled feta cheese over the salad, toss lightly, then plate the salad. Top with the remaining feta cheese to avoid it from getting too coated with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of fresh asparagus (preferably medium thickness), tough ends trimmed, remaining cut into 2-inch pieces
- 10.5 ounces of grape tomatoes, halved
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 4 ounces of feta cheese, crumbled (approximately 1 cup)
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories 1659 | Calories from Fat 1134 | Fat 126g | Saturated Fat 28g | Cholesterol 98mg | Sodium 1435mg | Potassium 3059mg | Carbohydrates 91g | Fiber 28g | Sugar 56g | Protein 49g | Vitamin A 9800IU | Vitamin C 93.8mg | Calcium 910mg | Iron 24.5mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute the tomatoes with another fruit or vegetable?
- Yes, you can replace the tomatoes with fresh strawberries for a sweet twist on the salad, especially during the summer months. However, it’s recommended to try the original tomato version at least once for its amazing flavor combination.
- What is included in the balsamic vinaigrette?
- The balsamic vinaigrette is a simple mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and salt and pepper. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful dressing that complements the salad perfectly.
- How do I ensure the asparagus is cooked properly?
- To achieve tender-crisp asparagus, boil it for about 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain its bright green color and crisp texture.
- Is it necessary to toast the walnuts before adding them to the salad?
- Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the salad. It is recommended to toast them for optimal taste, but it is not strictly necessary if you prefer them raw.
- What can I do to prevent the feta cheese from browning in the salad?
- To keep the feta cheese from browning, sprinkle only half of it over the salad before tossing with the vinaigrette. Add the remaining feta on top after plating to keep it fresh and visually appealing.
Tips
- When preparing the asparagus, make sure to blanch it in boiling water until it’s tender yet crisp, then quickly transfer it to an ice bath. This will help maintain its vibrant green color and perfect texture.
- Toast the walnuts before adding them to the salad. This enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch to the dish.
- When making the balsamic vinaigrette, reduce the vinegar by half on the stove to concentrate its flavor. Mix in olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic for a simple yet delicious dressing that complements the salad perfectly.
- To prevent the feta cheese from becoming too soft or discolored, sprinkle half of it over the salad before tossing, and add the remaining feta just before serving.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling water)
- Medium mixing bowl (for ice bath)
- Small saucepan (for reducing balsamic vinegar)
- Whisk (for blending vinaigrette ingredients)
- Jar or bowl with a lid (for storing vinaigrette)
- Salad bowl (for mixing and serving the salad)
