Tarragon Asparagus Salad

Looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that bursts with flavor? Tarragon Asparagus Salad is a perfect choice! It’s light yet flavorful, with tender asparagus that’s delicately seasoned and paired with the subtle, aromatic kick of tarragon. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a dinner party or making it your lunch, this salad is as refreshing as it is satisfying. Trust me, the combination of crisp asparagus and the tangy tarragon vinaigrette will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together. Let’s dive in and make something delicious!

Why You’ll Love Tarragon Asparagus Salad

• Crisp & Refreshing: This salad is perfect for spring and summer, bringing fresh, crisp asparagus into the spotlight. It’s light but packs a punch with its zesty flavors.
• Simple & Elegant: With minimal ingredients, it’s a salad that’s both simple and elegant. The tarragon gives it a sophisticated flair, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Quick to Make: Whether you’re rushing to get a meal on the table or need something quick and healthy, this salad can be made in minutes. It’s fuss-free and so flavorful.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse, full of vitamins and antioxidants, and paired with the tangy dressing, this salad becomes an ideal choice for a light meal or side dish.
• Versatile: This salad can be served warm or cold, and you can tweak the ingredients to make it your own. Want to add a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese? Go for it! Love crunchy nuts? Throw in some toasted almonds or walnuts.

Ingredients

This salad is all about fresh, simple ingredients that come together beautifully:

For the Salad:

• Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is the star of this salad, providing a slightly crunchy texture and a mild, earthy flavor.
• Cherry tomatoes: These little jewels add a burst of color and a pop of sweetness that balances the asparagus perfectly.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced, it adds a mild tang that complements the asparagus without overpowering it.
• Fresh tarragon: This herb adds a unique, slightly anise-like flavor that elevates the entire dish, giving it a fragrant, refreshing twist.
• Lemon wedges: For squeezing over the top before serving, lemon adds an extra layer of bright acidity to the dish.

For the Dressing:

• Olive oil: The base of the dressing, which helps tie the flavors together and adds richness.
• White wine vinegar: A light vinegar with a mild acidity that balances the flavors of the olive oil and tarragon.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a little tang and depth to the dressing, bringing everything together with just a hint of spice.
• Salt and pepper: To season and bring all the ingredients into harmony.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to make this fresh and flavorful salad? Here’s how:

Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus

Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the asparagus for 1-2 minutes, just until it turns bright green and is slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Slice the Veggies

While the asparagus is chilling, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and thinly slice the red onion. Set them aside for later.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until everything is emulsified into a smooth dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle the tarragon dressing over the top and toss gently to combine. Be sure the veggies are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Finely chop the fresh tarragon and sprinkle it over the salad. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the top for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 140
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes

How to Serve Tarragon Asparagus Salad

• As a Side Dish: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish. It’s light enough to balance out heavier main dishes.
• As a Light Lunch: Top it with some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal. It’s satisfying without being too heavy.
• For a Picnic or Potluck: Tarragon Asparagus Salad travels well, making it an ideal option for outdoor gatherings or potlucks. It can be made ahead and served cold or at room temperature.

Additional Tips

• Blanching Asparagus: If you prefer your asparagus a little more tender, you can steam it instead of blanching it. Just be careful not to overcook it.
• Add More Texture: For an added crunch, throw in some toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or even crumbled feta or goat cheese.
• Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of tarragon, you can substitute with fresh basil, dill, or parsley for a different herbaceous flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make this salad a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the fresh tarragon and lemon juice until right before serving for the best flavor.

Q2: Can I serve this salad warm?
A2: Absolutely! The salad can be served warm, but I love it chilled. If you prefer it warm, you can skip the ice water and serve it immediately after blanching the asparagus.

Q3: What other vegetables can I add to the salad?
A3: You can add roasted bell peppers, cucumbers, or even thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and flavor.

Q4: Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
A4: Fresh tarragon gives the salad a wonderful fragrance, but if you only have dried tarragon, you can use it—just reduce the amount by about half.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It may lose some crispness over time, but it will still taste great!

Q6: Can I use a different vinegar?
A6: Yes! If you don’t have white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar would work well as alternatives.

Q7: Can I make this vegan?
A7: Yes! This salad is already vegan, just be sure to use Dijon mustard that doesn’t contain any dairy products.

Q8: What can I substitute for the Dijon mustard?
A8: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or even a little bit of lemon zest for a different kind of tang.

Q9: How can I make the dressing creamier?
A9: To make the dressing creamier, add a tablespoon of tahini or vegan mayo to the mixture. It’ll give the dressing a rich texture.

Q10: How can I change the flavor profile of the dressing?
A10: If you want to change things up, you can add a splash of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness or a bit of garlic for some extra savory flavor.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a flavorful side, or just something fresh and healthy to balance out your meal, Tarragon Asparagus Salad is the perfect dish. With the crispness of asparagus, the tang of lemon, and the unique flavor of tarragon, this salad is simple yet sophisticated. It’s a quick and easy recipe that will leave you craving more every time you make it!

Print