Spring Asparagus Salad (Printable Version)

Tender asparagus and baby greens tossed with chickpeas, radishes, and lemon vinaigrette make a fresh spring salad.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Vegetables

01 - 450 g asparagus, tender tips only, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
02 - 150-170 g baby spring greens mix or arugula
03 - 120 ml frozen peas, thawed
04 - 2 radishes, thinly sliced
05 - 120 ml halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, assorted colors optional
06 - 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced

→ Legumes

07 - 425 g canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Protein

08 - 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved

→ Cheese and Nuts

09 - 60 ml goat cheese crumbles or feta cheese
10 - 60 ml almond slivers

→ Dressing

11 - 30 ml fresh lemon juice
12 - 5 ml Dijon mustard
13 - 5 ml honey
14 - 15 ml white wine vinegar
15 - 60 ml olive oil
16 - 15 ml chopped fresh tarragon leaves or basil
17 - Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, white wine vinegar, olive oil, tarragon, salt, and pepper in a small jar or bowl. Emulsify by shaking or whisking until the dressing is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
02 - Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the asparagus pieces for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt cooking, then drain and pat dry.
03 - Arrange the baby greens on a serving platter or bowl. Layer peas, radishes, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and blanched asparagus over the greens. Drizzle a portion of the dressing and season with salt and pepper.
04 - Top the salad with halved hard-boiled eggs, goat cheese crumbles, and almond slivers. Drizzle remaining dressing over the salad, season as needed, and serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Blanching asparagus enhances color and texture while preserving nutrients. Use an ice bath to stop cooking promptly.