Asparagus Fennel Salad Recipes

ASPARAGUS-FENNEL SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool, then drain and pat dry.
• Meanwhile, make the dressing: Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, fennel fronds, parsley, tarragon, lemon juice, anchovies, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a mini food processor. Process until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Combine the asparagus, sliced fennel, Boston lettuce, mixed greens, peas, celery and pistachios in a large bowl. Just before serving, drizzle with the dressing, season with salt and pepper and toss.

GRILLED FENNEL AND ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium-high.
• For the vinaigrette: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic paste, lemon juice and zest, vinegar, salt, pepper and chili flakes. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. Cover and set aside.
• For the salad: Add the asparagus and fennel to the vinaigrette and toss to coat well. Brush the grill with some canola oil. Place the vegetables on the grill and cook until just caramelized and charred on all sides, about 4 minutes. Set aside to cool briefly.
• Heat a small saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the pine nuts; toast until just golden brown, about 2 minutes. Set aside to cool in the pan.
• Slice the asparagus on the bias into 1-inch pieces. Core the fennel halves, then slice them 1/8- inch-thick. Add the asparagus and fennel back to the vinaigrette. Add the currants, olives, toasted pine nuts, arugula, salt and pepper. Toss well. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the salad to absorb the vinaigrette. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with the shaved Pecorino.

SHAVED ASPARAGUS AND FENNEL SALAD

Steps:

• Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus. Shave the fennel bulb on a mandoline into very thin slices. In a large bowl, toss the shaved vegetables, basil and minced walnuts in a medium bowl. Dress the salad with the oil, lemon juice and some salt and pepper. Plate, and top each with Parmigiano-Reggiano shavings, then serve.

FENNEL-ASPARAGUS SEVEN-LAYER SALAD

Steps:

• In large glass bowl, layer mesclun, fennel, radishes, onion, bacon and asparagus. In medium bowl, mix mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Spread mayonnaise mixture over asparagus, covering top completely and sealing to edge of bowl. Sprinkle with Gouda cheese.
• Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours, but no longer than 12 hours, to blend flavors. Toss before serving, if desired.