Best 2 Italian Asparagus Salad Recipes

In the realm of culinary delights, Italian Asparagus Salad stands out as a symphony of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors. This refreshing and delectable dish is a testament to the culinary prowess of Italy, where simple ingredients are transformed into extraordinary creations.

Our journey begins with a selection of the finest asparagus spears, carefully chosen for their crispness and vibrant green hue. These spears are meticulously trimmed and blanched to perfection, preserving their delicate crunch while infusing them with a subtle sweetness.

Accompanying the asparagus is an array of complementary ingredients, each adding its own unique touch to the salad. Cherry tomatoes, bursting with juicy sweetness, provide a vibrant pop of color and a burst of flavor. Red onion, with its sharp and slightly pungent notes, adds a piquant contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes.

To further enhance the salad's complexity, a trio of cheeses is introduced: creamy mozzarella, tangy Parmesan, and nutty pecorino. These cheeses, when combined, create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that elevates the salad to new heights.

A zesty dressing, made with a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs, ties all the elements together. The dressing's acidity cuts through the richness of the cheeses, while the herbs impart a delightful aromatic touch.

The final touch is a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts, adding a subtle crunch and a nutty flavor that rounds out the salad's symphony of textures.

In this article, we present two variations of this classic Italian Asparagus Salad: a traditional version and a vegetarian version. The traditional version features the classic combination of asparagus, tomatoes, red onion, and a trio of cheeses, while the vegetarian version replaces the cheeses with a combination of roasted chickpeas and crumbled feta cheese, creating a lighter and more protein-packed option.

Whether you opt for the traditional or vegetarian version, this Italian Asparagus Salad is sure to impress your taste buds with its delightful flavors and vibrant colors. So, embark on this culinary adventure and discover the joy of this delectable dish.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD WITH ITALIAN DRESSING RECIPE - (4.5/5)

Asparagus Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by Late2Serenity

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

For the dressing:
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste (optional)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the salad:
1 pound asparagus
2 1/2 cups uncooked pasta, such as penne or rotini
2/3 cup sliced red onions
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving

Steps:

Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until combined. Set the dressing aside. Make the pasta salad: Remove the tough stems of the asparagus then cut each spear into 1-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 10 to 11 minutes, then add the asparagus to the pot and cook it with pasta for 1 more minute. Drain the pasta and asparagus then rinse it with cold water. Transfer the pasta and asparagus to a large bowl. Stir in the onions and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the pasta, tossing to combine, then cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours and up to overnight. When ready to serve, stir in the Parmesan cheese and enjoy cold or at room temperature.

ASPARAGUS SALAD, ITALIAN-STYLE

Asparagus Salad, Italian-Style image

Here, raw asparagus is simply dressed with lemon juice, olive oil and Parmesan shavings.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories easy, quick, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 20m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1 1/2 to 2 pounds asparagus, not too skinny (fat is fine)
2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste
Lemon juice to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly shaved Parmesan to taste

Steps:

Cut off the woodsy bottoms of the asparagus spears; discard. Cut off the flower ends and set aside.
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the dark green outer skin of each spear; you should get three or four ribbons from each one. Set aside. Cut the remaining stalks crosswise into 1/4-inch rounds.
Combine ribbons, sliced rounds and tips in a large bowl. Drizzle asparagus with oil, then sprinkle with lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, then top with Parmesan.

Tips:

Choose the right asparagus. Look for asparagus spears that are bright green and have tight, closed tips. Avoid spears that are woody or have blemishes.
Blanch the asparagus properly. Blanching is a quick cooking method that helps to preserve the asparagus's鮮豔色彩 and crisp texture. To blanch asparagus, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus spears and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender. Immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Look for ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and good-quality olive oil.
Don't overdress the salad. A light dressing is all you need to let the flavors of the asparagus and other ingredients shine through.
Serve the salad immediately. Asparagus salad is best when served fresh. If you need to make it ahead of time, you can blanch the asparagus and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to dress the salad just before serving.

Conclusion:

Italian asparagus salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, you're sure to find an Italian asparagus salad recipe that you'll love.