Asparagus Salad with Bacon, Walnuts, and Lemon Vinaigrette
Tender spring stalks, smoky crunch, and bright citrus unite in a refreshing side.
When spring arrives, few vegetables are as eagerly anticipated as fresh asparagus. Its tender spears and earthy sweetness are a staple in kitchens everywhere during the season. If your usual preparation is roasting, it’s time to discover a new favorite: this easy asparagus salad tossed with bacon, walnuts, radishes, parmesan, lots of herbs, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Refreshing, savory, and full of texture, it’s the perfect side or stand-alone dish for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Asparagus Salad
- Bright and refreshing: The vibrant flavors and colors bring any spring table to life.
- Packed with texture: Creamy, crunchy, crispy, and tender elements make every bite interesting.
- Meal prep friendly: This salad keeps well, making it excellent for advance preparation or leftovers.
- Versatile: Serve as a side with ham, chicken, or fish, or enjoy by itself for a light lunch. For extra protein, toss in white beans.
- Customizable: Swap herbs, add nuts, or change up the cheese to match your preferences or leftovers.
What Makes Asparagus the Ultimate Spring Vegetable?
Asparagus is synonymous with spring, not just for its seasonality, but for its ability to pair beautifully with a huge array of dishes—from roast meats to brunch eggs. When steamed briefly and plunged into an ice bath, its natural sweetness shines through, while still retaining a crisp-tender crunch. This makes it a wonderful centerpiece for salads where fresh, light flavors are the goal.
Trimming and Preparing Asparagus: Tips and Techniques
Properly prepping asparagus can make all the difference in your finished salad. The bottoms of asparagus spears are often woody and tough. While some people prefer to snap off the ends individually, this wastes good asparagus and is time-consuming. Instead:
- Gather the entire bunch together.
- Align the stalks tightly and slice off about 1 to 2 inches from the bottoms using a sharp chef’s knife.
- Check for any overly tough spears and trim a bit more if needed.
If you want to know if asparagus can be eaten raw in salads: it can, but steaming brings out sweetness and mellows bitterness while preserving vibrant color and crispness.
How to Cook Asparagus for Salad: Blanching Explained
Blanching asparagus ensures it’s perfectly tender without being mushy. The method is simple:
- Bring a large pot with a steamer basket and two cups of water to a boil.
- Prepare a large bowl filled with ice water.
- Add asparagus to the steamer basket, cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes, until just tender and vibrant green.
- Immediately transfer the asparagus to the ice water to halt cooking and lock in color.
- Once cooled, pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before assembling the salad.
Asparagus Salad: Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Role in Salad |
|---|---|
| Asparagus (1 lb, trimmed, cut into thirds) | Main vegetable, tender-crisp foundation |
| Radishes (about 1/2 bunch, sliced into half-moons) | Peppery crunch, adds bright color |
| Walnuts (1/2 cup) | Toasted nutty flavor and crunch |
| Bacon (2 slices) | Salty, smoky, and crisp topping |
| Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup shaved + extra) | Nutty, salty richness |
| Fresh Herbs (1/4 cup chopped, plus extra) | Brightens and freshens the salad |
| Vinaigrette (see below) | Ties together and flavorfully coats all elements |
Lemon Vinaigrette: A Zesty Homemade Dressing
The dressing for this salad is simple, bright, and ties all the vibrant ingredients together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
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Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a small mason jar or tightly-sealed container, then shake vigorously until well combined. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Asparagus Salad
- Toast the Walnuts: In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden. Remove, let cool, and coarsely chop.
- Crisp the Bacon: Wipe out skillet, add bacon, and cook over medium heat until both sides are crisp (5-7 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, let cool, then crumble.
- Steam the Asparagus: Bring water to boil in a large pot with a steamer basket. Place asparagus in the basket, steam for 3-4 minutes, then plunge into ice bath. Pat fully dry.
- Combine Salad Components: In a large bowl, toss asparagus, radishes, parmesan, herbs, and walnuts with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: Add olive oil, mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, shallot, black pepper, and remaining salt to a mason jar. Shake until emulsified.
- Dress and Garnish: Add vinaigrette to salad and toss until evenly coated. Serve in a large bowl, topped with bacon, additional parmesan, and more fresh herbs.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Meal Prep Marvel: This is a salad that improves as the flavors meld in the fridge. Store undressed or fully assembled (minus bacon and walnuts) for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Crispy Finishes: For best texture, wait to add the bacon and walnuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Leftover Ideas: Add a can of rinsed white beans or top with a fried or poached egg for a heartier lunch.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Replace walnuts with toasted almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios.
- Try feta or shaved pecorino in place of parmesan.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes or blanched snap peas for more color and nutrients.
- Substitute or combine different herbs: parsley, basil, chives, dill, and mint all complement asparagus beautifully.
- Pair with glazed ham, roast chicken, or as part of a spring picnic spread.
Nutrition and Dietary Information
This salad provides a balanced nutritional profile: fiber and vitamins from vegetables; healthy fats from walnuts and olive oil; protein from bacon, cheese, or added beans. It is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon or substituting with smoked almonds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to trim asparagus?
Line up the spears and slice off the bottom inch or two with a sharp knife to remove tough, woody ends efficiently.
Can asparagus be eaten raw in salad?
Yes, but steaming briefly brings out sweetness, enhances color, and provides a tender-crisp texture ideal for salads.
How long will the salad keep in the refrigerator?
The salad keeps fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Add bacon and walnuts just before serving to retain crunch.
What main dishes pair well with asparagus salad?
Asparagus salad complements ham, roast chicken, fish, and a variety of springtime brunch mains. Or, pair it with white beans or eggs for a filling lunch.
Can I make this salad vegetarian or dairy-free?
To make vegetarian, omit bacon or use a plant-based alternative. For dairy-free, skip cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese of your choice.
Recipe Recap: Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 slices bacon
- 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed, cut into thirds on the diagonal
- 1/2 bunch radishes, sliced into 1/4-inch half-moons
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped tender herbs (parsley, chives, basil, dill, mint, or a mix), plus more for serving
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. honey
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Directions:
- Toast walnuts in a skillet until fragrant; cool and chop.
- Crisp bacon in the skillet, let cool, and crumble.
- Steam asparagus, plunge into ice bath, and dry thoroughly.
- Combine asparagus, radish, cheese, herbs, and walnuts with salt.
- Shake vinaigrette ingredients in a mason jar; toss with salad.
- Top with bacon, extra parmesan, and herbs to serve.
More Asparagus Inspiration
Enjoyed this salad? Explore other creative ways to celebrate spring’s bounty with asparagus in stir-fries, soups, roasted sides, and more. Make asparagus ribbons, try oven-roasted dishes, or pair with eggs and salmon for impressive brunches.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a64341829/asparagus-salad-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bln0M89QGlo
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g42861285/asparagus-recipes/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l86b5OJ_hV0
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g65631518/best-salad-recipes/
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