Asparagus, Tomato, and Feta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Need the perfect healthy, gluten-free summer side dish? This asparagus, tomato, and feta salad is chock full of colorful vegetables and toasted walnuts and is an impressive dish to take to BBQs, potlucks, Memorial Day, 4th of July celebrations any summer gathering!
Ingredients
Salad ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh asparagus medium thickness
- 1 container grape tomatoes halved
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts toasted
- 4 oz feta cheese crumbled
- Any other veggies you choose to add
Vinaigrette ingredients:
- 6 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the salad:
- Chop and toast the walnuts: Coarsely chop the walnuts and toast them in a 375 degree oven for 5-6 minutes.
- Wash and trim the tough ends from the asparagus and slice the rest into 2-inch pieces. Wash, slice, or chop the rest of your veggies.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook until crisp tender, about 4 or 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus.
- While the asparagus is cooking, fill a large mixing bowl with water and ice. When it's done, drain asparagus and submerge it in the ice bath for ten seconds to stop the cooking and maintain its bright green color.
Make the vinaigrette:
- Boil the balsamic vinegar to reduce it by half for about 3 minutes. Then whisk it and the olive oil, dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and salt and pepper together in a bowl.
Dress the salad:
- Layer or combine all of the ingredients for the salad in a bowl or on a platter. For a pretty presentation arrange the asparagus tips around the rim of a serving platter. Layer on the rest of the desired ingredients and crumble the feta over the top.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over the top right before serving.
Notes
If you put the vinagrette on early, it will soak in a bit, but it is still tasty! But if you’d really like to be able to see it, wait until your gathering starts.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!