Are you ready to elevate your salad game with a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious? Meet the "Fresh Greens Asparagus Ribbons Peas Goat Cheese" salad—a vibrant medley that not only looks like a work of art but also bursts with fresh flavors in every bite! Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side for dinner, this recipe combines the crispness of asparagus ribbons, the sweetness of peas, and the creamy tang of goat cheese. Dive into this culinary delight that promises to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. You won't want to miss out on this refreshing recipe that’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly and trimming off the tough woody ends. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully create thin ribbons by running the peeler lengthwise along each asparagus spear, creating delicate, translucent strips.
- If using frozen peas, quickly blanch them in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. For fresh peas, they can be used raw or lightly blanched. Drain and immediately shock in ice water to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, create the dressing by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Add the mixed greens to the bowl, gently tossing them with the dressing to ensure even coating. Spread the dressed greens as a base layer on a serving platter.
- Artfully arrange the asparagus ribbons over the greens, creating gentle waves and overlapping patterns for visual appeal.
- Sprinkle the blanched or fresh peas across the asparagus ribbons, distributing them evenly.
- Crumble the goat cheese over the top of the salad, allowing some larger chunks to remain for texture and visual interest.
- Optional: Finish with an additional light drizzle of olive oil and a final sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper just before serving.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and delicate textures of the ingredients.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh asparagus and peas. If using frozen peas, ensure they are blanched just until tender to maintain their bright color.
- Perfect Asparagus Ribbons: When using a vegetable peeler, apply gentle pressure to create thin, delicate ribbons. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures they blend beautifully with the greens.
- Emulsify Your Dressing: Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice vigorously to create a well-emulsified dressing that clings to your greens, enhancing every bite with flavor.
- Layer for Presentation: When assembling your salad, layer the dressed greens first, followed by the asparagus ribbons and peas. This not only looks beautiful but also allows each ingredient to shine.
- Serve at Room Temperature: For the best experience, serve the salad at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the goat cheese remains creamy.
- Add Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts or sunflower seeds, to the salad just before serving.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or mint for an additional burst of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
