Elevate your summer meals with this vibrant and refreshing Cold Asparagus with Walnuts recipe. Crisp, blanched asparagus spears take center stage, complemented by the delightful crunch of toasted walnuts and a zesty homemade dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. A sprinkle of fresh parsley ties it all together for a dish that's as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfectly chilled, this no-fuss side dish is ready in just 15 minutes and is ideal for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches. Packed with nutrients and full of bright, tangy flavors, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a quick and healthy culinary delight!
Prepare the asparagus by washing it thoroughly and trimming off the woody ends.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
Blanch the asparagus in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and just tender.
Immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain a crisp texture. Let them cool completely for about 2 minutes.
While the asparagus cools, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool, then roughly chop them.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Drain the asparagus and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle with the prepared dressing.
Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and freshly chopped parsley over the asparagus.
Serve immediately as a delicious chilled side dish or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Calories |
986 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.1 g | 118% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.8 g | 54% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 35.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1254 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.8 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.0 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.7 g | ||
| Protein | 22.8 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 208 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 13.5 mg | 75% | |
| Potassium | 1438 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.