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This week, I’m excited to share with you a delightful recipe that captures the essence of spring: White Asparagus Salad. Bursting with freshness and flavor, this salad celebrates the arrival of tender white asparagus, paired with creamy eggs, crisp radishes, and a zesty homemade dressing.
Inspired by the culinary traditions of Germany, where white asparagus is a seasonal delicacy, this salad is a nod to the joy of cooking with seasonal ingredients. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for springtime gatherings or as a light and refreshing meal on its own.
Here in Germany, asparagus is a big deal! When spring arrives, so does the excitement for this tender veggie. Known as “Spargel,” it’s a seasonal delicacy cherished by food lovers across the country. From April to June, you’ll find both white and green asparagus popping up in markets and on dinner tables.
The German love affair with asparagus goes way back. It’s a tradition that’s been around for ages, with farmers carefully nurturing these spears to perfection. White asparagus, in particular, is a star. Grown underground to keep it pale and tender, it’s a prized ingredient in many German dishes.
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A Family Recipe:
This White Asparagus Salad recipe is near and dear to my heart—it’s a gem passed down from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, especially during asparagus season. Her salads were legendary, celebrating the fresh flavors of spring with every bite.
As I make this salad, I’m reminded of those special moments in my grandmother’s kitchen, learning her secrets and soaking up the love she poured into her cooking. This recipe isn’t just about food—it’s a connection to my heritage, a taste of tradition that brings my family closer together.
Health Benefits:
- White asparagus is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate and fiber, promoting a healthy immune system and aiding digestion.
- The addition of eggs provides a good source of protein, while radishes offer a dose of antioxidants.
- The homemade vinaigrette adds healthy fats from olive oil and the freshness of parsley, making this salad a wholesome and satisfying choice.
Tips:
- For tender asparagus, ensure you peel them properly to remove any tough outer layer.
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, try grilling the asparagus instead of boiling.
- Customize your salad with additional veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing according to your taste preferences.
What We Need For White Asparagus Salad
- White Asparagus: Tender and delicate spears, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Eggs: Hard-boiled and sliced, adding a creamy texture and protein boost.
- Radishes: Crunchy and vibrant, sliced to add a pop of color and peppery flavor.
- Spring Onions: Fresh and aromatic, chopped to impart a mild onion flavor.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin for richness and depth of flavor in the dressing.
- Vinegar: Adds tanginess and acidity to balance the flavors.
- Grainy Mustard: Provides texture and a hint of spiciness to the dressing.
- Agave Syrup: Sweetens the dressing subtly, complementing the savory ingredients.
- Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped for a burst of freshness and herbal notes.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances the flavors and seasons the salad to perfection.
How To Make White Asparagus Salad?
Prepare the Asparagus:
- Peel the white asparagus spears and cut them into 4-5 pieces each.
- Place the asparagus pieces in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the asparagus is tender. Test with a knife—it should pierce easily.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, grainy mustard, agave syrup, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Prepare the Ingredients:
- While the asparagus is cooking, slice the radishes, chop the spring onions, and slice the hard-boiled eggs.
Cool and Assemble:
- Once the asparagus is cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked asparagus, sliced radishes, chopped spring onions, and sliced eggs.
Dress and Serve:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing White Asparagus Salad!
FAQ:
Q: Can I use green asparagus instead of white?
A: Absolutely! While white asparagus has a milder flavor, green asparagus works just as well in this recipe.
Q: How long can I store the salad?
A: This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the asparagus may lose some of its crispness over time.
Other Salad Recipes You May Like
Wow, my blog is bursting with whole food goodness! 😍 Don’t miss out on these fantastic recipes waiting for you to discover:
White Asparagus Salad
Ingredients
- 500g White Asparagus peeled and cut
- 2 Eggs hard-boiled and sliced
- 5 small Radishes sliced
- 2 Spring Onions chopped
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 tbsp Vinegar
- 1 tsp Grainy Mustard
- 1 tsp Agave Syrup
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by peeling the white asparagus and cutting them into 4-5 pieces per stick.
- Place the asparagus pieces in a large bowl of salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until tender.
- While the asparagus is cooking, prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, vinegar, grainy mustard, agave syrup, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Once the asparagus is cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to cool.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked asparagus, sliced eggs, sliced radishes, and chopped spring onions.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve the salad immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
