Filled with tender asparagus ribbons, fresh arugula, and a lemony pesto sauce, this Shaved Asparagus Salad is perfect to enjoy as a main dish or simple side dish. Easy to prepare and with a light and fresh flavor, you’ll fall in love with the taste and texture of these fresh greens!
Shaved asparagus is the new ‘it’ food in my mind. Sure, I know it’s been around for a while, and I’ve seen lots of recipes floating around Pinterest world with shaved asparagus. But for me, it’s a game-changer!
Why have I never tried shaved asparagus before? And tell me, have you tried it? Thoughts?
The texture, the flavor, the gorgeous ribbons…mind-blowing, friends! I’m now thinking of all the foods that I can shave with my vegetable peeler!
But, for now, I’ll stick to this shaved asparagus salad.
Filled with tender asparagus ribbons, fresh arugula, and a lemony pesto sauce, this cold asparagus salad is perfect to enjoy as a main dish or simple side dish.
Easy to prepare and with a light and fresh flavor, you’ll fall in love with the taste and texture of these fresh greens!
Truth be told, since I plan my editorial calendar for blogging months in advance, I made this salad back in May. But, ever since then, I’ve been hooked! I mean, how could you go wrong with just a few simple ingredients that packs such a powerful punch?
This raw asparagus salad is filled with nutritious ingredients, literally takes just minutes to assemble, and is oh-so fresh and flavorful. It just screams summer deliciousness, don’t ya think?
So grab that fresh summer produce and whip up this light and easy Shaved Asparagus Pesto Salad for a simple lunch or dinner…you’ll be glad you did!
Ingredients for Shaved Asparagus Salad
This cold asparagus salad recipe calls for just five basic ingredients:
- Fresh asparagus
- Fresh baby arugula
- Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Lemon juice and zest
- Salt and pepper
- Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Shaved Asparagus Salad
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Trim the ends of asparagus. Then, lay the asparagus flat on a cutting board and shave from the end of the stalk to the leaf part using a vegetable peeler. When the asparagus gets too thin to shave, chop.
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Place the asparagus in a large bowl. Add the arugula to the shaved asparagus. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and pesto to the salad. Toss to coat.
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Sprinkle with salt and pepper and top with shaved Parmesan cheese.
Do I Have to Eat the Asparagus Raw?
If eating raw asparagus just isn’t your thing, you can easily sauté the asparagus in a little bit of olive oil until crisp-tender before adding it to the arugula. But whatever you do, I guarantee you’ll love the taste and texture of shaved asparagus.
Tips for Making a Raw Asparagus Salad
- I love topping this cold asparagus salad with shaved Parmesan cheese. It pairs so well with the pesto!
- If you choose to cook the asparagus, be sure not to overcook it. You still want it to be crisp-tender, not mushy.
- The possibilities for this salad are endless. Serve it as a delicious, meatless entree; pair it alongside some fresh salmon or a sandwich; or add some chicken and make a hearty meal. See what I mean?
Looking for more spring salad recipes? I’ve got you covered!
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
- Creamy Pea Salad
- Taco Pasta Salad
- Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Shaved Asparagus Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus
- 3 cups fresh baby arugula
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus juice from one lemon
- ¼ cup prepared pesto (or this homemade Easy Basil Pesto)
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- Shaved Parmesan cheese , for topping (if desired)
Instructions
- Trim the ends of asparagus. Working one piece at a time, lay asparagus flat on a cutting board and shave from the end of the stalk to the leaf part using a vegetable peeler. When asparagus gets too thin to shave, chop. Place asparagus in a large bowl.**
- Add arugula to shaved asparagus. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and pesto to salad. Toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper and top with shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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