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    Home » Recipes » Salads » Shaved Asparagus Salad recipe

    PUBLISHED: June 1, 2022 • By Toni Dash 10 Comments

    Shaved Asparagus Salad recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    shaved asparagus salad overhead.

    Shaved Asparagus Salad is a favorite spring salad during asparagus season. Peppery arugula, sweet thin ribbons of fresh asparagus, creamy avocado, toasted pine nuts and more tossed in a lemony vinaigrette.

    shaved asparagus salad overhead.

    This simple salad is a perfect example of the right ingredients combined making a perfect spring meal in the easiest way.

    Shaved salads have become very popular. They are salads made with different vegetables shaved into thin pieces or long ribbons for asparagus. They offer a great change up from ordinary green salad and are wonderful for enjoying in season produce. The simple ingredients in this salad highlight the light sweet asparagus flavor.

    Asparagus recipes are always a favorite in the spring (and maybe you are even lucky enough to find wild asparagus)! Whether you enjoy easy grilled asparagus, asparagus soup or in pasta, this will become one of your favorite salad recipes. Great for a weeknight dinner, as a side for grilled meals or a satisfying lunch.

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredients Notes
    • How to make Shaved Asparagus Salad
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How to Store
    • More recipes you’ll love!
    • Recipe

    Recipe Ingredients Notes

    shaved asparagus salad labelled ingredients.

    Asparagus. You’ll need 1 pound of fresh green asparagus or one bunch asparagus (it’s sold in one pound quantities). Select green medium size stalks. Very thin stalks will not peel easily and very large asparagus spears (they can be woody with less flavor) will not have the best texture for this salad. Notes on shaving the asparagus below.

    Baby arugula. One 5-ounce container will be used. It’s sold in this size at the grocery store already washed and ready to use!

    Pine nuts. You’ll toast 1/4 cup of pine nuts which add a wonderful flavor to the asparagus salad.. Instructions included below.

    Lemon Zest. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is used for the dressing and lemon zest in the salad. Zest the lemon first before juicing it. I use a handheld juicer and a zester for this.

    Shaved parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese is sold in multiple forms in the cheese area of the grocery store. Shaved parmesan is very thin pieces of cheese. It gives a nice bite of flavor with this salad. It’s sold in plastic tubs or you can use a vegetable peeler to make your own with a block of parmesan cheese.

    Supplies

    Vegetable peeler. You’ll need a sharp vegetable peeler to shave the asparagus.

    shaved asparagus salad on fork.

    How to make Shaved Asparagus Salad

    STEP 1. Make the dressing

    In a small bowl combine the asparagus salad dressing ingredients: lemon juice, fresh thyme, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic (photo 1). Whisk together.

    Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking together (photo 2). Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

    shaved asparagus salad recipe steps 1-4.

    STEP 2. Shave the asparagus

    Cut or break off the woody bottom ends of the asparagus stalks. Rinse the asparagus in cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

    Using a sharp vegetable peeler, run the peeler lengthwise down the asparagus creating thin strips. It’s easiest to do this holding the asparagus on a cutting board (photo 3).

    I do half the stalk, turn it over and do the other side which will have a rounded shape making it easier to peel. You can run the peeler either way down the asparagus.

    Set the thin ribbons aside while making the rest of the salad. NOTE: if preferred the ribbons can be cut in half so they are not as long for easier eating.

    STEP 3. Toast the pine nuts

    Place the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the nuts are toasted. They will become fragrant and turn lightly golden-brown (photo 4). This only takes a few minutes.

    Set aside and allow the nuts to cool.

    shaved asparagus salad recipe steps 5-6.

    STEP 4. Assemble the salad

    In a large bowl add the arugula followed by the red onion. Next add the shaved asparagus followed by the avocado, parmesan cheese and pine nuts (photo 5).

    Whisk the dressing one more time and add desired amount of dressing, toss to combine (photo 6). Finish with the lemon zest and some freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately!

    Expert Tips

    Perking up asparagus. If you find the asparagus isn’t rigid when you are ready to peel it place the entire stalk in an ice bath (large bowl of ice water and ice). Let them sit for a few minutes before removing and patting them dry.

    Use a sharp vegetable peeler. Any type of peeler can be used to shave asparagus. The most important thing is that it’s sharp!

    Use extra dressing on other salads! The dressing recipe makes slightly over a half cup of dressing. This will be more than you will need unless you want a very heavy coating of dressing. Any extra dressing can be used on other salads!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the asparagus raw in this salad?

    Yes! The thin raw asparagus ribbons are sweet and delicious.

    asparagus salad in wood salad bowl.

    How to Store

    We recommend eating this salad as soon as the dressing is added. Leftovers can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator though it will become soggy once dressing is added.

    The simple lemon vinaigrette can be store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

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    Recipe

    shaved asparagus salad in bowl.

    Asparagus Salad with Lemon Thyme Dressing

    Shaved Asparagus Salad is a delicious, fresh spring salad that's full of exciting ingredients. Topped off with a simple lemon vinaigrette!
    5 from 24 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Salad, salad dressing
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6 1 3/4 cups servings (total yield: 10 cups)
    Calories: 259kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Equipment

    Vegetable peeler
    vegetable peeler
    handheld juicer
    Handheld Juicer
    zester
    Zester

    Ingredients

    Dressing

    • ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (see notes)
    • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves finely chopped
    • ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon honey
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to season

    Salad

    • 1 pound fresh asparagus rinsed in cold water and patted dry with paper towels (see instructions for how to shave)
    • ¼ cup pine nuts
    • 5 ounces baby arugula rinsed and dried (a salad spinner works great for this)
    • 1 small red onion peeled and thinly sliced
    • ¾ cup shaved parmesan cheese
    • 1 large avocado diced
    • 1 large lemon zested
    • Salt and pepper to season

    Instructions

    Dressing

    • Combine lemon juice, thyme, mustard, honey and garlic in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking the lemon juice mixture.
      Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside while making the salad.

    Salad

    • Break or cut the woody ends off the asparagus. Place an asparagus spear on a cutting board and shave into thin strips using a vegetable peeler running it lengthwise down the spear. Repeat for all spears and set aside.
    • Add the pine nuts to a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and turn a light golden-brown (takes only a few minutes). Set aside to cool.
    • Place the arugula in a larger serving bowl. Scatter onions on top. Add the prepared asparagus ribbons.
    • Top the salad with the shaved parmesan, diced avocado and toasted pine nuts.
    • Add desired amount of dressing and toss to combine. Top dressed salad with lemon zest and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Ingredient Notes
    Zest the lemon before juicing it. The juice is used for the dressing and the zest to garnish the salad.
    Dressing amount: the dressing will yield over 1/2 cup of dressing which is more than will be needed (but plenty if you like a lot of dressing). Save and use any extra dressing on other salads!
    Expert Tips
    Perking up asparagus. If you find the asparagus isn’t rigid when you are ready to peel it place the entire stalk in an ice bath (large bowl of ice water and ice). Let them sit for a few minutes before removing and patting them dry.
    Use a sharp vegetable peeler. Any type of peeler can be used to shave asparagus. The most important thing is that it’s sharp!
    Use extra dressing on other salads! The dressing recipe makes slightly over a half cup of dressing. This will be more than you will need unless you want a very heavy coating of dressing. Any extra dressing can be used on other salads! Also if the dressing separates during storage just whisk before using.
    How to Store
    We recommend eating this salad as soon as the dressing is added. Leftovers can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator though it will become soggy once dressing is added.
    The simple lemon vinaigrette can be store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 226mg | Potassium: 516mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1302IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 222mg | Iron: 3mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Mandy says

      July 13, 2022 at 11:05 pm

      5 stars
      I love this salad! I have made it multiple times and it is always a hit. Perfect for summer. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    2. macenna says

      June 02, 2022 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      this salad is amazing, and I love the freshness of the lemon vinaigrette! thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
    3. Taylor says

      June 02, 2022 at 8:54 am

      5 stars
      This salad was SO delicious! Love all the fresh flavors and textures. Just perfect. Will be on repeat all summer long!

      Reply
    4. Celia says

      June 02, 2022 at 7:23 am

      5 stars
      Made it last night and it was absolutely perfect!

      Reply
    5. Diane V says

      June 01, 2022 at 9:54 am

      5 stars
      I LOVE asparagus so I knew I had to make this immediately! I never made a shave asparagus salad and I am so happy i finally did. GREAT recipe!

      Reply
    6. Patricia says

      June 01, 2022 at 8:42 am

      5 stars
      I loooove asparagus and this is a lovely, fresh way to serve it. It makes a great side for the season!

      Reply
    7. April says

      June 01, 2022 at 8:35 am

      5 stars
      Never thought of shaving asparagus! How neat. Also, the dressing is delicious!

      Reply
    8. Jess says

      June 01, 2022 at 8:29 am

      5 stars
      I love how fresh and simple this salad is.

      Reply
    9. Sisley says

      June 01, 2022 at 8:03 am

      5 stars
      I didn’t even know that shaving asparagus could be done but I a convert. So delicious!

      Reply
    10. Michelle says

      June 01, 2022 at 8:00 am

      5 stars
      What a great summertime salad! Shaving the asparagus is such an awesome way to change it up and make it lighter!

      Reply

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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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