Roasted Asparagus Salad

The Roasted Asparagus Salad is a dish that brings back fond memories of springtime family gatherings. As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, I find myself craving fresh, vibrant flavors that celebrate the season. This salad is not just a dish; it’s a symbol of renewal, a celebration of the simplest yet most delicious ingredients that spring has to offer. Whenever I prepare this salad, I reminisce about lazy weekends spent in the garden, where the bright greens and the aroma of fresh herbs fill the air. The combination of the tender roasted asparagus with juicy cherry tomatoes and tangy feta cheese makes each bite feel like a burst of sunshine. Trust me, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Roasted Asparagus Salad

When crafting the Roasted Asparagus Salad, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the overall flavor and texture. The star of the dish is, of course, the asparagus, which provides a tender yet slightly crunchy bite. Paired with the avocado oil, which gives richness without overpowering, and the feta cheese, which adds briny depth, this salad is a perfect representation of spring’s bounty.

• 1 bunch (16 oz) asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 2-inch pieces
• 2 to 3 tsp avocado oil
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 10 oz cherry tomatoes
• 3 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup kalamata olives
• ⅓ cup pistachios or 2 Tbsp pine nuts
• 1.5 Tbsp avocado oil
• 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
• ½ tsp lemon zest
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions for Roasted Asparagus Salad

Cooking the Roasted Asparagus Salad is a straightforward process that anyone can master. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious, healthy dish ready to accompany any meal. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot oven is essential for achieving that perfect roast on the asparagus!
2. Rinse the asparagus stalks thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Carefully transfer them to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, chop off the woody ends of the asparagus and discard them. Then, chop the remaining stalks into 2-inch pieces, or bite-sized portions that will roast beautifully.
3. Place the chopped asparagus onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle with avocado oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Use your hands to toss everything together until every piece is well-coated in the oil and seasonings. This ensures an even roast and enhances the flavors.
4. Spread the asparagus out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the center rack of the preheated oven. Keep an eye on them—if you’re using thin spears, they’ll need about 8 to 10 minutes, while thicker spears will take 12 to 15 minutes.
5. After roasting, the asparagus should be tender yet slightly crisp. Comfortably gauge the baking time based on how you like your asparagus; less time yields a snappier texture, while longer roasts lead to softer stalks.
6. Once done, carefully remove the roasted asparagus from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it prevents the salad from wilting.
7. While the asparagus is cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice with a little more avocado oil. This dressing will bring a bright and zesty flavor to your salad!
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, kalamata olives, and pistachios.
9. Once the asparagus has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the other salad ingredients.
10. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together using tongs or a rubber spatula until well mixed. Ensure that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
11. Serve the Roasted Asparagus Salad alongside your main dish and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors!

Expert Tips about Roasted Asparagus Salad

Creating the perfect Roasted Asparagus Salad can be enhanced by following these expert tips:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can still be tasty for a day or two.
• Chilling: If you prefer a chilled salad, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This can elevate the flavors and refresh the dish.
• Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken. It also makes a great side at picnics or barbecues.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients like nuts or seeds for an extra crunch. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the dressing.
• Meal Prep: For easy meal prep, you can roast the asparagus in advance and assemble the salad just before serving.
• Serving Temperature: This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.

Perfect Matches for Roasted Asparagus Salad

When it comes to serving the Roasted Asparagus Salad, there are plenty of options to enhance your dining experience:

• Accompany with Protein: Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
• Make it a Brunch Staple: Serve it at brunch alongside quiches or frittatas for a light yet satisfying spread.
• Perfect for Picnics: This salad travels well, making it an excellent choice for picnics or outdoor gatherings.
• Seasonal Additions: During summer, consider adding grilled corn or fresh herbs for a seasonal twist.
• Snack Option: Enjoy it as a healthy snack throughout the week. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
• Complement with Bread: Serve with a crusty bread or breadsticks for a complete meal experience.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Roasted Asparagus Salad is a delightful dish that showcases the best of spring’s bounty. Its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors make it a standout choice for any meal. I encourage you to try this recipe as it is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. You’ll find that each bite brings a welcome crunch and a burst of flavor, making it a dish everyone will love.

Roasted Asparagus Salad

Craving something fresh and vibrant? The Roasted Asparagus Salad is a delightful combination of tender roasted asparagus, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish, it’s a healthy and delicious option that you’ll want to make tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and chopped into 2-inch pieces
• 2 to 3 tsp avocado oil
• to taste sea salt and black pepper
• 10 oz cherry tomatoes
• 3 oz feta cheese crumbled
• ⅓ cup red onion thinly sliced
• ½ cup kalamata olives
• ⅓ cup pistachios or 2 Tbsp pine nuts
• 1.5 Tbsp avocado oil
• 1 small clove garlic finely minced
• ½ tsp lemon zest
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• to taste sea salt and black pepper

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot oven is essential for achieving that perfect roast on the asparagus!
2. Rinse the asparagus stalks thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Carefully transfer them to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, chop off the woody ends of the asparagus and discard them. Then, chop the remaining stalks into 2-inch pieces, or bite-sized portions that will roast beautifully.
3. Place the chopped asparagus onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle with avocado oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Use your hands to toss everything together until every piece is well-coated in the oil and seasonings. This ensures an even roast and enhances the flavors.
4. Spread the asparagus out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the center rack of the preheated oven. Keep an eye on them—if you’re using thin spears, they’ll need about 8 to 10 minutes, while thicker spears will take 12 to 15 minutes.
5. After roasting, the asparagus should be tender yet slightly crisp. Comfortably gauge the baking time based on how you like your asparagus; less time yields a snappier texture, while longer roasts lead to softer stalks.
6. Once done, carefully remove the roasted asparagus from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it prevents the salad from wilting the greens.
7. While the asparagus is cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice with a little more avocado oil. This dressing will bring a bright and zesty flavor to your salad!
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, kalamata olives, and pistachios.
9. Once the asparagus has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the other salad ingredients.
10. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together using tongs or a rubber spatula until well mixed. Ensure that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
11. Serve the Roasted Asparagus Salad alongside your main dish and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors!

Notes

• Chilling: If you want the salad to be chilled, refrigerate it before serving so that it is nice and cold.
• Storage: Store asparagus salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Asparagus salad is best when served the same day it is prepared.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.