Shaved Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A vibrant, no-cook salad featuring delicate ribbons of raw asparagus, brightened by a zesty lemon vinaigrette and finished with salty shaved cheese. It's an elegant and refreshing dish that comes together in minutes.
For 4 servings
Wash the asparagus spears thoroughly and pat them dry. Snap off the woody ends from each spear.
Lay an asparagus spear flat on a cutting board. Using a wide, sharp vegetable peeler, carefully shave long, thin ribbons from the spear, rotating it as you go until you can no longer get wide strips. Repeat with all remaining asparagus.
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Place the shaved asparagus ribbons in a medium mixing bowl. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the asparagus.
Gently toss the asparagus with the vinaigrette until all the ribbons are evenly coated.
Transfer the dressed asparagus to a serving platter or individual plates.
Generously top the salad with shaved Pecorino Romano cheese. If using, sprinkle with fresh chopped chives or dill before serving immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use Fresh Asparagus: The success of this raw salad hinges on very fresh, firm asparagus. Look for bright green, firm spears with tight tips.
- 2Peeler Technique: For best results, use a wide, sharp vegetable peeler. If your asparagus is very thin, you might get fewer ribbons, but they will still be delicious.
- 3Don't Overdress: Start with a little less vinaigrette and add more if needed. You want the asparagus to be coated, not swimming, to maintain its crispness.
- 4Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed right after dressing to ensure the asparagus remains crisp and vibrant.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Crunch
Add toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or chopped pistachios for added texture and richness.
Herbaceous BoostHerbaceous Boost
Incorporate other fresh herbs like mint, basil, or parsley for a different aromatic profile.
Protein PowerProtein Power
Top with grilled shrimp, flaked smoked salmon, or crumbled goat cheese for a more substantial meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Asparagus is an excellent source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folate, essential for bone health, vision, and cell growth.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Contains powerful antioxidants like glutathione, which helps protect cells from damage and supports detoxification.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to reduce bad cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to shave the asparagus and make the dressing ahead of time, but combine them just before serving to keep the asparagus crisp.
