Shaved Asparagus Pesto Salad
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
Why have I never tried shaved asparagus before?? This salad seriously looks exactly up my alley with all that beautiful pesto smothered everywhere! Perfect summer salad right here. 🙂
Thanks, Sarah! Shaved asparagus is a game-changer for me…it’s so good!
Such a pretty summer salad!! I love shaved asparagus! I’ve never had in a salad, but usually garnish pizza with it. I know one thing, I’ve got to try this recipe! Super easy and healthy too…just what I want in the summer. I did try raw asparagus in its whole form a little while back and had with veggie dip and it was so good! Pinning this recipe and trying soon 🙂 Happy Monday! Have an awesome week!
Shaved asparagus on pizza sounds wonderful! Thanks for the kind words and pin, Dawn!
I absolutely LOVE shaved asparagus! It’s just so delicate, yet satisfying. It’s my jam for sure! So you KNOW I’m loving this salad, Gayle! Easy, and delicious – which is basically summer perfection! Pinned! Cheers, friend!
Thanks for the asparagus love, Cheyanne!
I think my kids would LOVE this! I’ve tried asparagus with them a couple times and they’re okay with it, but I think they would love these pretty ribbons and all the bright flavors. So perfect for summer!
Thanks, Ashley!
I can’t get enough of the fresh produce these days! I find myself eating a lot of roasted cauliflower but have been looking for something (else) to strike me! This is it! Thank you, friend! Pinned!
Thanks for the sweet comment and pin, Annie!
I loved shaved asparagus but I don’t do it often enough! I’m loving this salad…it looks so light and refreshing and is something I would love eating every day. All of these ingredients are up there in my list of favorites!
Thanks, Marcie! It’s perfect for the summer!
Sounds great! We love pesto on just about anything, and we’re having pesto pasta for dinner tonight!
I’ve never shaved asparagus, so now you’ve convinced me to give this method a try!
Thanks, Blair! It’s SO good!
I have never had shaved asparagus, that totally needs to change. Looks good!
You would love it, Manali! Thanks!
I’m a huge shaved asparagus fan! What’s not to love? I can imagine that pesto makes it even better! I’ve gotta try this one ASAP, Gayle. It looks so beautiful, too!
Thanks for the asparagus love, Keri!
I am definitely a fan of shaved asparagus … but I just never think to do it! Which really is pretty silly haha But! This salad sounds fantastic! I love anything with pesto!
Thanks, Ashley!
I’ve only made shaved asparagus once, but can’t wait to try this salad. Love the combination! Looks gorgeous!
Thanks, Mira! I’m hooked on shaved asparagus in salads!