Filled with tender asparagus ribbons, fresh arugula, and a lemony pesto sauce, this Shaved Asparagus Pesto 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 Pesto Salad.
Filled with tender asparagus ribbons, fresh arugula, and a lemony pesto sauce, this Shaved Asparagus Pesto 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 Shaved Asparagus Pesto 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?
If eating raw asparagus just isn’t your thing, you can easily saute 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.
And 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?
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!
Looking for more salad recipes? I’ve got you covered!
Yields 4 servings
Filled with tender asparagus ribbons, fresh arugula, and a lemony pesto sauce, this Shaved Asparagus Pesto 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!
10 minPrep Time
10 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus
- 3 cups fresh baby arugula
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus juice from one lemon
- 1/4 cup 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. If you want to cook the asparagus instead of eating raw, saute ribbons in a tablespoon of olive oil until crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes, and then add to 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.
- Enjoy!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says 
Gayle says