This Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese combines tender blanched asparagus, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes for a refreshing bite. Creamy goat cheese and a zesty lemon olive oil dressing bring bright, balanced flavors to the dish. It’s a simple, elegant salad perfect for any season or occasion.
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor—this Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese is everything you want in a spring or summer side dish!
Tender-crisp asparagus is tossed with creamy goat cheese, crunchy almonds, and a tangy vinaigrette for a salad that’s as elegant as it is easy. Perfect for brunches, barbecues, or a light lunch on the patio!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
🥗 Fresh & Flavorful – Crisp asparagus paired with creamy goat cheese delivers a refreshing bite every time.
⏱️ Quick to Make – Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
🧀 Elegant Yet Simple – Looks gourmet but made with easy-to-find ingredients.
🥒 Healthy & Light – Packed with nutrients, it’s a delicious way to eat more greens.
🌸 Perfect for Spring & Summer – A bright, seasonal salad that complements any main dish.
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh asparagus spears – Crisp, green, and slightly sweet vegetable stalks.
- Goat cheese – Soft, tangy cheese that crumbles easily.
- Cherry tomatoes – Juicy, sweet, bite-sized red tomatoes.
- Red onion – Sharp, colorful onion adds crunch and flavor.
- Olive oil – Rich, golden oil for dressing and roasting.
- Lemon juice – Bright, acidic citrus juice to enhance flavor.
- Salt – Essential seasoning to boost overall taste.
- Black pepper – Adds a mild heat and earthy depth.
- Fresh basil – Aromatic herb that adds a sweet finish.
How To Make Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese
Step 1: Trim the woody ends off 1 bunch of fresh asparagus. Cut into 1-2 inch pieces.
Step 2: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
Step 3: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach leaves. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and the blanched asparagus. Crumble 4 oz of goat cheese over the salad.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and black pepper.
Step 5: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. Garnish with fresh basil or crushed nuts if desired. Serve immediately.
Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe Tips
- Choose fresh asparagus — Look for firm, bright green stalks with closed tips for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the asparagus — Blanch just until tender-crisp (2-3 minutes), then shock in ice water to keep its vibrant color and crunch.
- Use good quality goat cheese — Creamy, tangy goat cheese adds richness and balances the fresh veggies perfectly.
- Customize your add-ins — Add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch, or fresh herbs like basil or mint for extra brightness.
- Dress just before serving — Toss the salad with dressing right before plating to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
Storing & Making Ahead Instructions
Store any leftover asparagus salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh and crisp, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving.
If prepping ahead, blanch the asparagus and assemble the salad without dressing up to a day in advance—this helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
What To Serve With Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese
Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced meal, or complement it with crusty artisan bread to soak up the tangy dressing. It also makes a refreshing side for pasta dishes or roasted meats, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to your plate.
Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen asparagus for this salad? Fresh asparagus works best for this recipe to maintain crispness and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly before blanching.
What can I substitute for goat cheese? Feta cheese or ricotta salata make great alternatives, offering a similar creamy and tangy profile.
How long can I store the salad? Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days to keep it fresh.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time? Yes, blanch the asparagus and prep other ingredients in advance, but toss with dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Is this salad suitable for vegans? No, goat cheese is a dairy product, but you can substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
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Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 4 cups spinach leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnish: fresh basil leaves or crushed nuts
Instructions
- Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut into 1–2 inch pieces.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
- In a large salad bowl, add the spinach leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and blanched asparagus.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh basil or crushed nuts if desired. Serve immediately.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
Nutrition
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