Goat Cheese and Asparagus Salad is gentle, recent, and stuffed with taste. The creamy goat cheese pairs completely with crisp asparagus and a easy maple-Dijon French dressing. It’s an attractive dish that works as a facet or a meal by itself.
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In the event you had been round final 12 months, you would possibly bear in mind my apple bacon pecan salad with bacon French dressing. It was a fall favourite in our home! Because the climate warms up, I’m leaning into vibrant greens and spring veggies with this goat cheese and asparagus salad.
It’s recent, quick, and filled with colourful components, plus a maple Dijon French dressing that’s simply candy sufficient. Identical to my apple salad, it’s all about taste and texture in each chunk. In the event you cherished that recipe, I believe you’ll take pleasure in this one simply as a lot!
Why I really like this recipe
What makes this salad a favourite of mine is how effortlessly it comes collectively with out sacrificing taste. I really like the distinction between the creamy goat cheese, crisp asparagus, and crunchy walnuts. It’s so satisfying. It feels elegant sufficient for firm however straightforward sufficient for a weekday lunch.
Substances
- recent asparagus – search for agency, straight stalks with tightly closed, vibrant inexperienced tip, keep away from stalks which are limp or wilted
- combined salad greens (comparable to arugula, spinach, or child greens, select your favourite)
- cherry tomatoes
- crimson onion
- goat cheese – you’ll be able to substitute feta cheese if desired
- walnuts – almonds or pistachios are different choices for slightly crunch
- kosher salt & floor black pepper
- the dijon French dressing is made with olive oil, dijon mustard, and maple syrup
Step-by-step
- Blanch the asparagus: Chop the asparagus into 2-inch items. Convey a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook dinner for 3 to five minutes, simply till they flip vibrant inexperienced and are tender however nonetheless have a little bit of crunch.
- Cool it down: Switch the cooked asparagus instantly right into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then drain and gently pat dry with a clear towel or paper towel.
- Make the French dressing: In a small bowl, whisk collectively the olive oil, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup till easy and totally blended.
- Assemble the salad: In a big mixing bowl, add the cooled asparagus, combined greens, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced crimson onion.
- Gown the salad: Pour the French dressing excessive and toss all the pieces gently to coat. Season to style with slightly salt and freshly floor black pepper.
- Serve: Divide the salad between plates or prepare on a serving platter. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and walnuts on high earlier than serving.
Ideas for finest outcomes
- Hold the asparagus crisp. Cook dinner simply till tender with slightly chunk as a result of overcooked asparagus can flip mushy quick.
- Toast the walnuts. A fast toast within the pan or oven brings out their nuttiness and provides a satisfying crunch.
- Soften the goat cheese. Let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes earlier than crumbling. It’ll be creamier and simpler to work with.
- Gown it final minute. Add the French dressing proper earlier than serving so your greens keep recent and crisp.
Variations
Make it your personal by swapping walnuts for pecans or almonds. Toss in some avocado slices or quinoa to make it much more filling. If goat cheese isn’t your favourite, go along with feta or mozzarella. A couple of strips of grilled hen or smoked salmon make it additional hearty.
Serving suggestion
I really like serving this as a light-weight lunch or dinner, particularly on heat days. It additionally pairs completely as a facet with grilled grouper or baked hen breast. I typically plate it with crusty dutch oven bread or a wealthy soup because it balances issues out so properly. It’s additionally excellent for weekend brunch.
Storage
This salad is finest loved recent however for making forward of time or storing leftovers, don’t toss the salad with the dressing till serving. Hold all the pieces chilled in hermetic containers, and it’ll keep good for about two days. When you add the French dressing, eat it instantly earlier than the greens soften.
In the event you do that recipe please remark and fee it beneath, I really like listening to from you!
Description
This Goat Cheese and Asparagus Salad is gentle, recent, and stuffed with taste. The creamy goat cheese pairs completely with crisp asparagus and a easy maple-Dijon French dressing. It’s an attractive dish that works as a facet or a meal by itself.
For the Salad:
- 1 pound recent asparagus, trimmed and minimize into 2-inch items
- 2 cups combined salad greens (comparable to arugula, spinach, or child greens)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup crimson onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon floor pepper
For the French dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Convey a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook dinner for 3 to five minutes, simply till they flip vibrant inexperienced and are tender however nonetheless have a little bit of crunch.
- Switch the cooked asparagus instantly right into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then drain and gently pat dry with a clear towel or paper towel.
- To make the French dressing, whisk collectively the olive oil, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup in a small bowl till easy and totally blended.
- In a big serving bowl, add the cooled asparagus, combined greens, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced crimson onion.
- Pour the French dressing excessive and toss all the pieces gently to coat. Season with slightly salt and freshly floor black pepper.
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and walnuts on high.
- Prep Time: quarter-hour
- Cook dinner Time: 5 minutes
- Class: Primary Course, Aspect Dish
- Methodology: none
- Delicacies: Mediterranean
Diet
- Serving Measurement:
- Energy: 118
- Sugar: 2.9 g
- Sodium: 131 mg
- Fats: 10.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.9 g
- Fiber: 2.4 g
- Protein: 2.8 g
- Ldl cholesterol: 0 mg
