**Chilled Marinated Asparagus: A Refreshing and Flavorful Spring Delight**
As spring arrives, asparagus takes center stage with its vibrant green stalks and delicate flavor. This versatile vegetable can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, but one of the most refreshing and delicious is to marinate it. Chilled marinated asparagus is a perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion, and it's incredibly easy to make. Simply blanch the asparagus spears, then marinate them in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices. The result is a tender-crisp vegetable dish that's bursting with flavor. This article offers three variations of chilled marinated asparagus, each with its own unique twist. The classic recipe features a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. The Asian-inspired marinade adds a touch of sweetness and spice with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. And the Greek-style marinade incorporates feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and oregano for a Mediterranean flair. No matter which variation you choose, you're sure to enjoy this refreshing and flavorful spring dish.
CHILLED ASPARAGUS WITH CITRUS VINAIGRETTE
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the asparagus and cook for 2 minutes. Immediately remove the asparagus from the boiling water and place it into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once the asparagus has cooled remove it from the water, blot it dry with a towel, and place it in a large bowl.
- In a glass measuring cup combine the remaining ingredients and whisk together to form the citrus vinaigrette. Pour the desired amount of vinaigrette over the asparagus and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, then top with a little more salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 77 calories, Carbohydrate 10 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 0 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 4 grams fat, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 3 grams protein, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 118 grams sodium, Sugar 6 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams unsaturated fat
MARINATED ASPARAGUS
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, prepare the marinade by combining the chopped onion with the vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in the oil and set aside while you prepare the asparagus.
- Bring about 2 inches of water to a boil in a skillet large enough to lay asparagus flat. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- While the water is coming to a boil, wash the asparagus in cold water. Break off the tough base of each. Remove scales if they are large or sandy.
- Place the spears in the boiling water. Let the water return to a boil, then simmer the asparagus gently for 5 to 7 minutes. Asparagus should be slightly crisp.
- Drain and place the asparagus in the dish you plan to marinate them in-an oval-shaped dish works best.
- Whisk the marinade and pour over warm asparagus. Allow it to marinate at room temperature until cool, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Remove asparagus from the refrigerator and return to room temperature before serving. Serve as is or, if desired, place lettuce leaves on 6 to 6 plates and top with the marinated spears.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 78 kcal, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 119 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 7 g, ServingSize 5 to 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
ZESTY MARINATED ASPARAGUS
Tender asparagus is marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkled with tangy lemon zest and fresh parsley. This is a quick and easy side dish.
Provided by KNITMAMA
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Asparagus
Time 3h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch asparagus just until tender, about 1 minute. Plunge into a bowl of cold water to cool. Drain asparagus and place in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour in vinaigrette and seal bag. Refrigerate at least 3 hours, turning bag occasionally.
- Just before serving, drain asparagus, reserving vinaigrette. Arrange on a serving platter and sprinkle with lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve reserved vinaigrette in a small dish on the side.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 317.4 calories, Carbohydrate 18 g, Fat 27.5 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 1782.6 mg, Sugar 5.7 g
CHILLED ASPARAGUS SALAD
I like to use a kitchen scissor to cut only the very bottom from the stalk; breaking it off causes more of the bottom to go to waste, which is otherwise perfectly edible. With the smaller, thinner "pencil" asparagus, the stalks are too thin to peel and you need that protective layer so the asparagus keep their shape during cooking. For larger asparagus, where the skin is tougher, I do peel the stalk but leave the tip and an inch or so below the tip, unpeeled. The top is tender enough that it can be cooked as is.
Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli
Categories side-dish
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- I like asparagus al dente, slightly crunchy. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot over medium heat. Add salt until it tastes like mild seawater. How will you know? Take a little water with a spoon and taste it, then add the sugar.
- Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl, large enough to hold the asparagus, with cold water. Add some ice cubes. Plunge the asparagus into the ice bath before cooking. This will help to bring any limp stalks back to life. Remove from the ice bath, plunge them into the boiling water and allow them to cook, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water, transferring them immediately to the same ice bath. Allow them to sit in the ice bath for a few minutes, swirling them gently in the water to assure they are all cooling quickly in the cold water.
- The most important step for this dish? Drying the stalks once they are removed from the ice bath. Taking care that no water gets into the final salad is the best way to assure that the maximum flavor will be enjoyed! Transfer the asparagus to a large plate or platter lined with a kitchen towel and refrigerate.
- In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, honey and mustard. Stir to blend. Whisk in the olive oil in an even, steady stream. When all of the oil has been integrated, taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
- When ready to serve, remove the kitchen towel from the asparagus and simply toss the asparagus in the dressing to coat them completely. Arrange the stalks on plates and serve.
ASPARAGUS SPEARS WITH SESAME
Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 to 8 small servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, white wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
- Prepare an ice bath: Fill a large bowl halfway with ice cubes and add some cold water. Place a colander squarely inside the ice bath. The colander will keep you from having to pick the asparagus out from amongst the ice cubes in the ice bath.
- Add salt until the boiling water tastes like seawater. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes - you want them to be crunchy. If the asparagus are thin, cook for only 1 minute. Remove the asparagus from the water with a strainer and transfer them to the colander inside the ice bath. Allow them to cool completely for a few minutes and then place them on a kitchen towel to drain any excess moisture.
- Toss the asparagus, sesame seeds, and the sauce together and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
CHILLED ASPARAGUS WITH BASIL CREAM
My family loves chilled asparagus. It's the perfect veggie to have on a warm night, or any night for that matter. My kids like this side dish so much that they snack on leftovers while watching TV at night. -Melissa Puccetti, Rohnert Park, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Add half the asparagus; cook, uncovered, just until crisp-tender, 2-4 minutes. Remove and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry. Repeat with remaining asparagus. Arrange on a serving platter., Place mayonnaise, cream, 3 tablespoons basil, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Spoon over asparagus. Garnish with pine nuts, lemon peel and remaining 1 tablespoon basil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 235 calories, Fat 24g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 296mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
BALSAMIC MARINATED ASPARAGUS
This easy marinated asparagus recipe comes together in just a few minutes. Balsamic vinegar and garlic add a hefty dose of flavor, sugar mellows it out a bit and red pepper flakes add a nice little kick.
Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty
Time 8h10m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Snap off the tough ends of asparagus and wash asparagus thoroughly.
- Cook asparagus in boiling water for about two minutes, until it's bright green and just beginning to get tender. Drain.
- Place asparagus in a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain.
- Lay asparagus in a 13" by 9" baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour over asparagus.
- Cover dish with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator.
- Chill for about 8 hours.
- Using tongs, remove asparagus from marinade and serve.
MARINATED ASPARAGUS WITH BLUE CHEESE
Asparagus marinated in vinaigrette and dotted with cheese makes an awesome side. We're blue cheese fans, but you might like Parmesan or feta. -Susan Vaith, Jacksonville, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups water to a boil. Add asparagus; cook, uncovered, 2-3 minutes or just until crisp-tender. Remove asparagus and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry., In a large resealable plastic bag, combine green onions, oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Add asparagus; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate at least 1 hour., Drain asparagus, discarding marinade. Place asparagus on a serving plate; sprinkle with cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 136 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 348mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
CHILLED ASPARAGUS WITH PECANS
Recipe is from the Nothing But the Best cookbook. Sounds simple but delicious! Prep time does not include marinating time in refrigerator.
Provided by DailyInspiration
Categories Vegetable
Time 23m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Remove scales from stalks with a vegetable peeler, if desired. Cook asparagus in boiling salted water to cover 6-8 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well. Place asparagus in a large heavy-duty, zip-top plastic bag.
- Combine sugar and next 3 ingredients; pour over asparagus. Seal bag securely, and gently turn to coat. Marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour, turning once.
- Remove asparagus from marinade, reserving marinade. Place asparagus on a serving platter, and drizzle with reserved marinade. Sprinkle asparagus with toasted pecans and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 206.1, Fat 14.5, SaturatedFat 1.5, Sodium 673.9, Carbohydrate 16.9, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 11.9, Protein 5.8
MARINATED ASPARAGUS
From A Slice of Paradise. This has been a regular at our house for years. It can be made well in advance. It's quick and easy to assemble for an everyday dinner and pretty enough for a dinner party. I often substitute verjuice for the vinegar. Serve cold.
Provided by AmandaInOz
Categories Vegetable
Time 15m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Mix basil, oil, vinegar, salt, sugar and pepper. Set aside.
- Cut ends off asparagus.
- Cook asparagus in a large pot of simmering water for 4 minutes.
- Drain and put in an ice bath.
- Remove asparagus to a platter and top with chopped tomato.
- Pour vinaigrette on asparagus.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 57.8, Fat 4.6, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 195.9, Carbohydrate 3.6, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 1.9, Protein 1.8
MARINATED ASPARAGUS SALAD
A no-fuss side dish is great when entertaining. The asparagus is cooked and chilled in advance, then stands at room temperature in the marinade while I visit and prepare the rest of the meal. -Janice Connelley, Spring Creek, Nevada
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 8-10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place asparagus in a large skillet; add 1/2 in. of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Rinse in cold water; drain. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours., Arrange asparagus in a shallow dish. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over asparagus. Let stand at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 164 calories, Fat 16g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 242mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.
GRILLED MARINATED ASPARAGUS
Freshly harvested asparagus says spring is in the air, and on your table. Eating the tender spears right off the grill is pure pleasure.-Lessie Sites, Livingston, Montana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first five ingredients. Add the asparagus; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for up to 1 hour., Drain asparagus, reserving marinade. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack., Grill asparagus, covered, over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning and basting occasionally with reserved marinade.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 55 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 239mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
CHILLED ASPARAGUS WITH SESAME VINAIGRETTE
Categories Vegetable Side Picnic Vegetarian Asparagus Spring Summer Healthy Vegan Sesame Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Kidney Friendly Pescatarian Dairy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Kosher
Yield Serves 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook asparagus in large skillet of boiling salted water until just crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water and drain well. Pat dry with paper towels. Arrange on platter. Mix sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce and sugar in small bowl. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. (Asparagus and dressing can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.) Spoon dressing over asparagus. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.
Tips:
- Choose fresh, tender asparagus. Look for spears that are bright green, firm, and have tightly closed tips.
- Trim the asparagus. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. You can also use a knife to cut off about 1 inch from the bottom of each spear.
- Blanch the asparagus. This will help to preserve the asparagus's bright green color and crisp texture. To blanch the asparagus, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Marinate the asparagus. In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, marinade ingredients, and herbs. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Serve the asparagus. Drain the asparagus from the marinade and arrange it on a platter. Drizzle with any remaining marinade and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Conclusion:
Chilled marinated asparagus is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. With its bright green color and crisp texture, this asparagus dish is sure to impress your guests. So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious side dish, give this chilled marinated asparagus recipe a try!
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