Cold Asparagus Salad Recipes

ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Steps:

• Cook asparagus in large pot of boiling, salted water until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
• Drain and rinse with cold water.
• Place in a decorative bowl and put in the refrigerator until thoroughly chilled.
• Boil vinegar in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
• This will sweeten and concentrate the vinegar; pour into a large bowl.
• Whisk in oil, mustard, marjoram and garlic.
• Season dressing to taste with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.
• When ready to serve, add the red peppers and toss with dressing.
• Sprinkle with nuts and serve.

MARINATED ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Bring about 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan.
• Add asparagus, cover and cook until tender, about 6 minutes (Alternatively, you can use 1 1/2 cans (15 ounces each) whole green asparagus spears and skip this step.).
• Drain the asparagus and layer it in a shallow glass dish.
• Sprinkle each layer with crumbled tarragon leaves, pepper and garlic salt.
• Pour salad dressing and vinegar over asparagus, cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Serve chilled asparagus on a bed of lettuce leaves.
• Top with a dollop of mayonnaise (which you can flavor with some of the dressing), if desired.

BALSAMIC ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring 1 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Transfer to a large bowl; add the onion, red pepper and cranberries., In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper; shake well. Pour over asparagus mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, stir in almonds and bacon.

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.

COLD ASPARAGUS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Blanch the asparagus and drain it on paper towels.
• Arrange the spears in a shallow serving dish and sprinkle with the minced shallot.
• Place the garlic and salt in a small bowl, and mash them together with the back of a spoon until the mixture forms a paste.
• Stir in the mustard and lemon juice.
• Whisk in the oil, vinegar, and pepper.
• Spoon this dressing over the asparagus.
• Garnish the asparagus with alternating bands of chopped egg white, parsley, and egg yolk.
• Chill thoroughly before serving.