Warm Asparagus Spinach Salad
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and nutritious Warm Asparagus Spinach Salad! This quick and easy recipe combines tender-crisp asparagus, sautéed cherry tomatoes, and just-wilted spinach in a warm medley of color and flavor. A zesty, homemade lemon-Dijon vinaigrette ties the dish together beautifully, balancing the earthy greens with a tangy-sweet finish. Optional garnishes like grated Parmesan and slivered almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty richness, making this salad an elegant choice for any meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, this wholesome dish is perfect as a light main course or an impressive side that’s bursting with seasonal freshness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus spears
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup slivered almonds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Wash and trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches long.
Rinse and dry the baby spinach thoroughly. Set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the heated skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften and begin to burst.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to create the vinaigrette.
Reduce the heat to low and add the baby spinach to the skillet, tossing gently for 1-2 minutes until just wilted.
Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the warm salad. Toss gently to combine.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with optional toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese and slivered almonds, if desired.
Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this warm salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
991 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.1 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.4 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 36 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 2349 mg | 102% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.8 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.9 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.9 g | ||
| Protein | 45.4 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1042 mg | 80% | |
| Iron | 17.5 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 1562 mg | 33% | |
*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.
