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!

A large white bowl of shaved asparagus salad. Fresh asparagus and a lemon half rest in the background.

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.

Overhead view of cold asparagus salad garnished with shaved Parmesan and a lemon wedge.

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!

A large white bowl of shaved asparagus salad. Fresh asparagus and a lemon half rest in the background.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

A large white bowl of raw asparagus salad. Fresh asparagus and a lemon half rest in the background.

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!

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 Salad

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
This Shaved Asparagus Salad is filled with tender asparagus ribbons, fresh arugula, and a lemony pesto sauce. Light, fresh, and easy!

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

If you want to cook the asparagus instead of eating it raw, saute the ribbons in a tablespoon of olive oil until crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes, and then add to bowl.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 65kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 149mg, Potassium: 55mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 699IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 49mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.