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Fresh Asparagus Salad with Parmesan Shavings

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A quick and easy salad featuring crisp fresh asparagus and thin Parmesan shavings tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for spring and summer, this light and refreshing dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and blanched
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved thinly (about 50 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced (optional)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)
  • A handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends and rinse under cold water.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add asparagus and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender but still crisp.
  3. Immediately transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and preserve color. Drain well after 2 minutes using a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic (if using), sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Cut blanched asparagus into 2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over and toss gently to coat.
  6. Use a vegetable peeler to shave Parmesan cheese thinly over the salad and toss lightly to distribute.
  7. Optionally, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds and chopped fresh herbs over the salad.
  8. Give the salad a final gentle toss, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve immediately or chilled.

Notes

Use fresh, firm asparagus that snaps easily for best texture. Do not overcook asparagus to maintain crispness. The ice bath after blanching locks in vibrant color and stops cooking. Parmesan should be shaved thinly for best flavor and texture. Dressing can be adjusted or simplified by omitting garlic. Serve fresh or chilled. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 2 days, keeping Parmesan separate to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: asparagus salad, Parmesan salad, spring salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, lemon vinaigrette, fresh asparagus

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/fresh-asparagus-salad-with-parmesan-shavings-easy-healthy-recipe-guide/