Easy Peasy Chilled Asparagus
Brighten up your table with "Easy Peasy Chilled Asparagus," a quick and refreshing side dish perfect for warm days or elegant gatherings. This simple recipe brings out the natural sweetness of tender, blanched asparagus, which is rapidly cooled in an ice bath to lock in its vibrant green color and crisp texture. Drizzled with a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of black pepper, this dish is a celebration of light, clean flavors. Optional cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and tanginess, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. With just 15 minutes from prep to plate, this healthy, chilled asparagus recipe is ideal as a summer appetizer, a side for grilled dishes, or even part of a picnic spread.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams asparagus
- 2 liters water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups ice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 100 grams cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the asparagus under cold water and trim the woody ends (about 2-3 cm from the bottom).
In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
Add the asparagus spears to the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
While the asparagus is cooking, prepare a large bowl of ice water.
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the blanched asparagus into the ice water immediately to stop the cooking process. Let them sit in the ice bath for 2-3 minutes.
Drain the asparagus and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and black pepper.
Arrange the chilled asparagus on a serving plate. Drizzle the lemon-garlic vinaigrette evenly over the asparagus.
Optionally, slice cherry tomatoes in halves and scatter them over the asparagus for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve immediately as a chilled appetizer or side dish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
360 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.8 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2 g | 21% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2436 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.4 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.5 g | ||
| Protein | 11.2 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 256 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 1194 mg | 25% | |
*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.
