Looking for a fresh, healthy salad that’s full of vibrant flavors? This Asparagus, Tomato, and Feta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is the perfect mix of crunchy asparagus, sweet tomatoes, and creamy feta, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. 🥗🍅🧀
This salad is a great way to enjoy seasonal vegetables in a delicious and healthy dish. The combination of crisp asparagus, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The balsamic vinaigrette adds a zesty finish, making this salad a fantastic side dish or light main course.
Why You’ll Love This Asparagus, Tomato, and Feta Salad
This salad is quick, easy, and packed with fresh ingredients. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a side for grilled meats, added to a potluck spread, or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy sweetness, complementing the natural flavors of the vegetables and feta.
Main Ingredients for Asparagus, Tomato, and Feta Salad
Each ingredient in this recipe has been carefully chosen to create a fresh and flavorful salad that’s perfect for any meal:
- Asparagus (1 bunch, trimmed and blanched): Asparagus provides a crunchy texture and is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
- Blanching the asparagus ensures it stays crisp while enhancing its color and flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness to the salad.
- Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Feta Cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Feta adds a creamy, salty element that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the crispness of the asparagus.
- You can substitute with goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free version.
- Red Onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Adds a sharp, savory bite that complements the other flavors in the salad.
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- Balsamic Vinegar (3 tablespoons): The tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar creates the perfect balance for the vinaigrette.
- A good quality balsamic vinegar makes a big difference in flavor.
- Olive Oil (¼ cup): Extra virgin olive oil gives the dressing richness and helps coat the vegetables evenly.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a slight tang and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Balances the acidity of the vinegar and mustard with a touch of sweetness.
- Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for a vegan option.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a flavorful punch to the vinaigrette.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances the flavors of the dressing and salad.
Benefits of Ingredients
- Asparagus is high in fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
- Feta cheese provides calcium and protein, while the tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
How to Make Asparagus, Tomato, and Feta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blanch the Asparagus: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the asparagus and immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Once cool, drain and pat dry.
- Blanching the asparagus helps maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the blanched asparagus, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss to combine.
- Make sure the asparagus is well-drained before adding it to the salad to avoid excess water in the dish.
- Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more honey for sweetness or extra Dijon mustard for tang.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Be sure to evenly distribute the dressing so that every bite is flavorful.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra crumbled feta and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be made ahead and refrigerated for a few hours before serving.
Tips for the Best Asparagus, Tomato, and Feta Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh asparagus, ripe tomatoes, and quality feta cheese are key to making this salad shine.
- Blanching the Asparagus: Don’t skip the blanching step—it helps preserve the vibrant color and crisp texture of the asparagus.
- Make the Dressing Ahead: You can make the balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before using.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asparagus, Tomato, and Feta Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad up to a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the vinaigrette until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, or you can serve it alongside fish or as a side dish with pasta. It’s also great on its own for a light lunch.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! While feta cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor, you can use goat cheese, Parmesan, or even blue cheese if you prefer.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The asparagus may soften slightly, but the salad will still taste delicious.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is best for this recipe, but you can use frozen asparagus in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.
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