This Blanched Asparagus and Feta Salad is light and refreshing, a perfect salad for springtime dinners and entertaining!
The earthy taste of blanched asparagus marries well with the saltiness of the feta while the zingy lemon dressing makes it perfect to serve with barbecued meats, oily fish such as salmon or sardines. We served ours with rosemary chicken fillets.
Another low carb, gluten-free recipe great for keto and some vegetarian diets. If you make your own vegan feta it would also be good for vegan and paleo dieters.
How to perfectly blanch your asparagus
Before preparing your asparagus put your water on to boil. I use a deep frying pan so that the asparagus fits in easily.
Remove the woody ends from your asparagus by gently bending the end of one spear until it snaps naturally. Then, use it as a guide to cut the remaining stalks.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Once your asparagus has been prepared, add some salt to your boiling water (this helps the asparagus to retain its bright green colour), then add your asparagus.
Blanch until tender approximately 3-4 minutes or until it is bright green and fragrant. You want your asparagus to be cooked until it is al dente, just like your pasta.
Strain in a colander in the sink and immediately run cold water on top to stop the cooking process.
BLANCH
REFRESH
How to make your Blanched Asparagus and Feta Salad
1Wash your greens
Rinse your mixed leaves in a colander under cold running water, remove any wilted, yellowed or damaged leaves.
Either pat dry with a towel or spin in a salad spinner this makes for drier leaves that allow your vinaigrette to adhere to the salad leaves for a much tastier salad.
2Prepare your vinaigrette
Place all your vinaigrette ingredients in a glass jar add some salt and pepper to season then shake until emulsified (well combined).
3Putting it together
Place your salad leaves on the bottom of a salad platter or shallow bowl, add the cooled asparagus and the crumbled feta, season with salt and pepper and toss gently to combine. Arrange in a salad bowl then serve.
What you can make ahead…
You can blanch your asparagus, make your vinaigrette and crumble your feta the day before and store covered in your fridge.
Also, washing your salad leaves is ok but just make sure that they are completely dry before storing to prevent them from spoiling and collecting bacteria.
The leaves in this salad prevent you from storing for more than a day in your fridge the leaves become too soggy.
Some more asparagus recipes…
Ingredients
For the salad…
- 450 grams asparagus (2 small bunches)
- 100 grams mixed salad leaves (4 cups)
- 50 grams feta (crumbled) (⅓ cup)
For the vinaigrette…
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2-3 tbsps lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and trim your asparagus then blanch for approximately 3 minutes until bright green then refresh under cold water.
- Rinse your mixed leaves and either pat dry or spin in a salad spinner.
- Put all your vinaigrette ingredients in a glass jar and shake until emulsified.
- Place the mixed leaves, asparagus and feta in a large mixing bowl, pour over the dressing, season then toss until combined.
- Arrange in a salad bowl and serve.
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