Are you ready to elevate your salad game? Dive into a vibrant world of flavors with our Asparagus White Cheddar Chopped Salad, drizzled with a luscious Balsamic Thyme Vinaigrette that will leave your taste buds dancing! This delightful dish combines the crispness of fresh asparagus, the creaminess of white cheddar, and the brightness of cherry tomatoes, all nestled atop a bed of mixed greens. Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side at your next dinner party, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a quick and easy recipe that can be whipped up in just 25 minutes. Get ready to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings with this irresistible salad!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and blanched
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly and trimming off the tough woody ends. Fill a large bowl with ice water and set aside.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the trimmed asparagus and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Immediately transfer the blanched asparagus to the prepared ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant color and crisp texture. Let sit for 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- Cut the blanched asparagus into 1-inch diagonal pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, chopped fresh thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette. Ensure ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, chopped asparagus, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded white cheddar cheese.
- Drizzle the balsamic thyme vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Tips
- Blanching Technique: To achieve perfectly blanched asparagus, make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the asparagus. This helps maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Ice Bath: Don't skip the ice water bath! It stops the cooking process immediately, ensuring your asparagus remains tender-crisp and visually appealing.
- Cheese Selection: While white cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Vinaigrette Variations: If you want to switch things up, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of honey to the vinaigrette for a zesty twist.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aromatic quality to the salad. You can also try adding other herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness.
- Serving Suggestion: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad for extra protein.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the vinaigrette and blanch the asparagus ahead of time. Just combine everything right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
