This spring salad is packed with nutrition and flavor from crispy green vegetables, shaved asparagus, fennel, sweet peas, herbs, and a simple shallot vinaigrette dressing. Topped with toasted pistachios and dried cherries, it’s the perfect dish for a family BBQ or a refreshing afternoon by the pool
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This Fresh Shaved Asparagus Salad with Herbs and Pistachios is a delicious and healthy salad perfect for spring! This salad has become one of my all-time favorites. Crispy green vegetables, shaved asparagus, thinly sliced fennel, blanched sweet peas, and fresh herbs. Tossed in a simple shallot vinaigrette dressing and topped with toasted pistachios and dried cherries, this salad is bursting with flavor and texture. The tangy vinaigrette perfectly complements the fresh and crunchy vegetables, while the pistachios add a unique nutty crunch. Whether hosting a family BBQ or enjoying an afternoon by the pool, this vibrant and nutritious salad will surely impress. So, grab a fork and dig in!
How to Make the Perfect Spring-Shaved Asparagus Salad:
Can You Eat Raw Asparagus in Summer Salad? Asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked but can be tough and fibrous if not prepared properly. To ensure your salad’s best taste and texture, slightly cook the asparagus or blanch it before adding it. This also makes shaving the asparagus with a peeler or cutting it into small pieces easier.
To blanch the asparagus, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the asparagus for 30 seconds. Then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Once cooled, pat them dry with paper towels. Blanching the asparagus will deepen the color and soften the skin while keeping it raw. To shave the asparagus, cut off the bottom about an inch and a half, then hold it down with one hand and use the peeler to peel it into ribbons.
With all the vegetables prepared and ready to assemble the salad, toss them with a simple shallot vinaigrette dressing, toasted pistachios, and dried cherries for a delicious mix of flavors and textures. The sweet peas can also be blanched for 30 seconds in hot water, followed by an ice bath and patting them dry. Enjoy!
Variations and Additions for Your Spring Salad:
Add some grilled chicken, beef, shrimp, or boiled eggs to turn this salad into a light meal. This will provide extra protein and make the salad more filling.
If you are a salad lover, try other refreshing salads. They will satisfy your taste buds while keeping you healthy and refreshed, such as superfood salad with kale and micro greens, Mediterranean Greek salad, and our Mediterranean black bean salad with pomegranate molasses, perfect for summer.
Preparation
Combine the shaved asparagus, sliced fennel, sweet peas, chopped mint, and chopped dill in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the salad dressing ingredients.
Top the salad with the toasted pistachios and dried cherries.
Serve and enjoy!
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Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
20 asparagus spears blanched and shaved) | |
1 head fennel thinly sliced | |
1 cup sweet peas blanched and pat dry | |
¼ cup fresh chopped mint | |
¼ cup fresh chopped dill | |
2 oz toasted pistachio | |
2 oz dry cherries |
For the salad dressing
1 small shallot (chopped small) | |
Zest of 1limes plus its juice | |
1/4 cup olive oil | |
1 teaspoon honey | |
Salt and pepper to taste |
Preparation
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Different ways to use shaved asparagus:
To keep asparagus fresh:
Rana’s Notes!
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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