She Strengthens

Spring Asparagus Salad: A Fresh Twist for Your Next Picnic

As the weather warms up, our taste buds start craving lighter, fresher flavors. This spring asparagus salad is the perfect solution, featuring a delightful combination of tender asparagus, sweet onions, and creamy cheese.

Quality Ingredients Make All the Difference

When it comes to this recipe, using high-quality ingredients is essential. Look for good-quality extra-virgin olive oil to bring out the flavors of the asparagus and vinaigrette. For the cheese, try P’tit Basque, a flavorful sheep’s-milk cheese from the Basque region of France. If you can’t find it, Manchego cheese makes a great substitute.

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Picnic

This salad can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance, making it an ideal choice for your next picnic. Simply leave off the cheese until just before serving, and give the salad a quick toss to combine.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

To create this delicious salad, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds fresh asparagus
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cooked garbanzo beans
• 2 tablespoons torn fresh mint leaves
• 1 ounce P’tit Basque cheese, sliced paper thin

Easy Steps to Salad Perfection

To prepare the asparagus, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook until tender. Then, shock the asparagus in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. For the vinaigrette, whisk together lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then slowly add the olive oil while continuously whisking.

Assembly and Serving

In a wide, shallow dish, combine the cooked asparagus and sliced onions. Drizzle the vinaigrette over top and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes before scattering the garbanzo beans, mint, and cheese on top. Grind fresh black pepper over everything and serve cold or at room temperature.

The Perfect Pairing

For a delightful beverage pairing, try Domaines Schlumberger Gewürztraminer Fleur from France. This light-bodied wine complements the salad’s flavors beautifully, with sweet fruit notes that pick up the saltiness of the cheese and floral notes that dance between the asparagus and mint.