Asparagus Basil Salad Recipes

TORTELLINI SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS AND FRESH BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the olive oil, basil, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together in a bowl large enough to hold the salad.
• Cook the asparagus in 4 quarts boiling water seasoned with 1 tablespoon salt until tender, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer the asparagus to a colander using a slotted spoon (do not discard the boiling water).
• Shake out any excess water and toss with the vinaigrette.
• Return the water to a boil, add the tortellini, and cook until tender, following the package directions.
• Drain the tortellini thoroughly, then toss while hot with the asparagus and dressing.
• Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
• Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Just before serving, stir the toasted pine nuts, tomatoes, and Parmesan into the salad and season with salt and pepper.

MARINATED ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Place asparagus in a large skillet; add 1/2 in. of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Rinse in cold water; drain. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours., Arrange asparagus in a shallow dish. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over asparagus. Let stand at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

ASPARAGUS-TOMATO SALAD WITH DRESSING

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients; set aside. Place asparagus in a large saucepan with enough water to cover; cook until crisp-tender. Drain and cool. , Combine asparagus, tomatoes and onion in a bowl. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

FRESH BALSAMIC ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Trim the asparagus (keeping the darker green and less fibrous parts) and cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Thinly slice the mushrooms.
• Simmer the asparagus in 1/2 cup of water with a pinch of salt until it is tender (about 10-13 minutes).
• While the asparagus is simmering, whisk the lemon juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic together.
• Gradually add the olive oil and then the black pepper.
• Once you have drained the asparagus and let it cool, gently toss it with half of the dressing to coat it well.
• Toss the remaining dressing with the basil and the mushrooms, and sprinkle the mixture over the asparagus.
• Season to taste with salt, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or Mizithra cheese, and serve.

ASPARAGUS & TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Blanch asparagus briefly in boiling water on stove top, then plunge into ice cold water to stop them from cooking.
• Chop asparagus into bite sized pieces.
• In large bowl combine asparagus and tomato.
• Add basil, sea salt and pepper.
• Stir in feta, toss, and refrigerate.
• Before serving, toss with balsamic vinegar.

TORTELLINI SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS AND BASIL DRESSING

Steps:

• Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Fill a large bowl halfway with ice and water. Line a baking sheet with paper towels or lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter.
• Step 2: Trim 1 inch from the ends of the asparagus stalks. If some of the stalks are much thicker than a pencil, use a vegetable peeler to remove the woody exterior from the bottom half of each one. Cut the stalks and spears into 1-inch lengths.
• Step 3: Add the asparagus to the boiling water; cook until crisp-tender and a more vivid shade of green, about 2 minutes; do not drain the water. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the asparagus to the ice-water bath until cooled. Spread the asparagus on the baking sheet or kitchen towel to dry.
• Step 4: Return the pot of water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook, stirring often, until tender, according to the package directions. Drain the tortellini, rinse it with cold water, and drain again, leaving it slightly wet.
• Step 5: While the tortellini are cooking, toast the pine nuts in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat for several minutes, shaking the pan to avoid scorching, until fragrant and lightly browned. Cool completely.
• Step 6: Whisk together the oil, lemon juice, shallot, garlic and the 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a serving bowl. Add the cooked tortellini and tomatoes, tossing to incorporate, and let sit for 15 minutes.
• Step 7: Chop the basil leaves and add them to the+ bowl, along with the asparagus, Parm and the toasted pine nuts. Taste, add more salt and pepper as needed, and serve.

FRESH TOMATO-BASIL-ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions, adding asparagus, cut into 2" pieces, during the last 2 minutes of cooking time. Drain and rinse under cool water.
• Stir together 1 cup bottled lemon vinaigrette and chopped basil. Pour 3/4 cup of dressing over pasta mixture. Stir in tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. COver and chill 1 hour. Toss with remaining dressing just before serving. Garnish with additional freshly basil.

ASPARAGUS AND STRING BEAN SALAD WITH BASIL

Steps:

• Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt. Cook the green beans and wax beans until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans to the ice-water bath. Drain; transfer to a large bowl.
• Cook the asparagus in boiling water until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Transfer the asparagus to the ice-water bath. Drain; cut into 3-inch pieces. Add to the beans. Add the shallot and basil.
• Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together the vinegar, cheese, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the oil in a medium bowl until sugar has dissolved. Season with pepper.
• Add the vinaigrette to the vegetable mixture; toss. Refrigerate in an airtight container (or store in a chilled cooler) until ready to serve, up to 2 hours. Garnish with basil.

ASPARAGUS MOZZARELLA SALAD

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the cheese, tomatoes, onion and basil., In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, mustard and pepper. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Drizzle with lemon juice. Chill until serving.

PENNE PASTA SALAD WITH SUN DRIED TOMATOES, ASPARAGUS AND BASIL

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to directions. Drain.
• Saute asparagus tips in garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper until tender. Add to the pasta along with the basil and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss to mix. Adjust seasonings as necessary. Refrigerate 1 hour or longer before serving.