Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad Recipe

Easy Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad Recipe That Wows Every Time

Jamie Oliver’s asparagus salad bursts with springtime energy and fresh garden goodness.

Green vegetables dance together in a symphony of crisp, verdant flavors.

Delicate spears intertwine with creamy and crunchy companions, creating a nutritional masterpiece.

Light and elegant, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary celebration.

Seasonal produce becomes a canvas for remarkable taste combinations that surprise and delight.

Nutrients mingle with textures, offering a balanced meal that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Each forkful promises a refreshing escape from ordinary salad experiences: savor the magic.

Why Jamie Oliver’s Asparagus Salad Tastes So Fresh

Why Jamie Oliver’s Asparagus Salad Tastes So Fresh
  • Unlock Fresh Seasonal Flavor: This Jamie Oliver asparagus salad bursts with vibrant spring ingredients that celebrate fresh, crisp vegetables at their peak ripeness.
  • Master Quick Cooking Technique: Blanching asparagus for just one minute preserves its bright green color and tender-crisp texture, creating a professional-level culinary method easily replicated at home.
  • Enjoy Nutritious Gourmet Experience: Packed with healthy ingredients like asparagus, avocado, and pine nuts, this salad delivers incredible nutrition while tasting like a restaurant-quality dish without complicated preparation.
  • Create Elegant No-Fuss Meal: The recipe requires minimal cooking skills, takes under two hours, and offers a sophisticated presentation that looks impressive yet comes together effortlessly with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Everything You’ll Need for Asparagus Salad

Fresh Produce:
  • Asparagus: Tender green vegetable that forms the base of the salad, look for bright green and firm stalks.
  • Peas: Sweet green legumes that add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
  • Radishes: Crisp, peppery vegetable that provides a sharp bite and beautiful red accent.
  • Avocado: Creamy ingredient used for making a rich, smooth dressing.
  • Basil or Mint: Aromatic herbs that bring a bright, fresh flavor to the salad.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Feta: Tangy and crumbly cheese that adds a salty, creamy element to the dish.
Seasonings and Dressing Components:
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, acidic note that balances the other ingredients.
  • Olive Oil: Creates a smooth base for the dressing and adds richness.
  • Pine Nuts: Crunchy, buttery nuts that provide texture and nutty flavor.

Make Asparagus Salad with Ease

Make Asparagus Salad with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Station

Set up a large pot with salted water and a bowl filled with ice water. The ice water will help stop the cooking process and keep vegetables crisp.

Step 2: Blanch Asparagus

Carefully drop asparagus into boiling salted water and cook for 1 minute until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer asparagus to ice water bath for 1 minute to cool down and preserve color.

Step 3: Drain and Dry Vegetables

Remove asparagus from ice water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel. Ensure vegetables are completely dry to help dressing stick properly.

Step 4: Create Zesty Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk ingredients together until well blended.

Step 5: Combine Salad Components

Add to the dressing:
  • Blanched asparagus
  • Fresh peas

Gently toss vegetables to coat evenly with dressing.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Spread avocado dressing on serving plate. Top with:
  • Sliced radishes
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Toasted pine nuts
  • Fresh basil or mint leaves

Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant, fresh salad.

Tips for Crisp and Bright Asparagus Flavor

  • Unleash Pine Nut Flavor: Dry-toast nuts in a skillet until golden brown, releasing their rich, nutty aroma that transforms the salad's overall taste profile.
  • Perfect Dressing Consistency: Blend avocado until silky smooth, adjusting liquid to create a creamy texture that coats ingredients beautifully without being too thick.
  • Dial Up the Brightness: Experiment with lemon juice quantities to find the perfect balance that makes each bite sing with fresh, zesty notes.
  • Master Moisture Control: Pat asparagus completely dry after the ice bath to prevent water diluting the incredible dressing and maintaining crisp vegetable texture.
  • Nail the Blanching Technique: Watch asparagus closely during cooking, removing from boiling water at the exact moment it turns vibrant green to preserve its tender-crisp quality.

Store Jamie Oliver’s Asparagus Salad Correctly

Freshness Lockdown: Seal leftovers in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid, preventing moisture and maintaining crisp vegetable textures. This method keeps your asparagus salad vibrant and delicious for up to 5 days in the refrigerator’s coolest section.

Ingredient Separation Strategy: Store dressing separately from salad components to prevent soggy greens and maintain maximum crunchiness. Pour dressing just before serving to preserve each ingredient’s original texture and prevent premature wilting.

Quick Cooling Technique: Immediately transfer salad to the refrigerator after preparation, ensuring ingredients stay at optimal temperature. Chill the serving bowl beforehand for an extra refreshing experience that keeps your salad perfectly crisp and appetizing.

Mix It Up with Asparagus Salad Ideas

  • Spring Veggie Remix: Swap peas with grilled zucchini and add cherry tomatoes for a colorful Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Protein Power Plate: Incorporate grilled chicken or salmon on top of the asparagus salad to create a more substantial meal with added protein.
  • Herb Garden Celebration: Replace basil and mint with fresh dill, chives, and parsley to introduce a different herbal complexity and brightness to the salad.
  • Nutty Crunch Alternative: Switch pine nuts with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for a different textural experience and nutty flavor profile.

Refreshing Finish for Asparagus Salad

Jamie Oliver’s Asparagus Salad weaves Mediterranean magic through fresh, crisp ingredients that dance on palates.

Green stalks mingle with creamy avocado, tangy feta, and crunchy pine nuts, creating harmony on ceramic plates.

Lemon’s brightness cuts through rich elements, while basil whispers herbal secrets across each bite.

Salt and pepper balance delicate textures, transforming simple vegetables into culinary poetry.

Radish slivers add peppery complexity, elevating this simple summer dish beyond expectations.

Passionate cooks and casual diners will savor each carefully crafted forkful – so snap that mouthwatering photo, share this recipe’s delightful story, and spark conversation around your delicious creation.

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Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad Recipe

Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Jamie Oliver’s asparagus salad celebrates spring’s freshest flavors with crisp green spears and zesty dressing. Delicate herbs and creamy textures create a light, elegant dish perfect for outdoor dining and simple sophistication.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 2 bunches asparagus, tender parts, chopped into 1-inch pieces (approximately 200250 grams)
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 3 radishes, thinly sliced

Dressing and Toppings:

  • 1 avocado (for avocado dressing)
  • ⅓ cup (50 grams) crumbled feta
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) pine nuts
  • Mint or basil leaves, for garnish

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
  • ½ garlic clove, grated
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. Simultaneously, bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil.
  2. Carefully lower the asparagus into the boiling water, cooking for approximately 60-75 seconds until the vegetable achieves a vibrant green color and maintains a crisp-tender texture.
  3. Immediately transfer the blanched asparagus to the ice water bath, allowing it to cool for precisely one minute to halt the cooking process and preserve its bright color and texture.
  4. Remove the asparagus from the ice bath and gently pat dry using a clean kitchen towel, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
  5. In the same bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a zesty vinaigrette.
  6. Add the cooled asparagus and fresh green peas to the dressing, gently tossing to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.
  7. Select a serving plate and spread a delicate layer of creamy avocado dressing as a base.
  8. Artfully arrange the dressed asparagus and peas atop the avocado spread.
  9. Garnish the dish with thinly sliced radishes, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and delicate fresh basil or mint leaves for a vibrant and textural finish.

Notes

  • Gather the pine nuts and gently toast them in a dry skillet until they release a nutty fragrance and turn golden brown.
  • Whip the avocado dressing until silky smooth, adding water or extra lemon juice to achieve the perfect consistency that complements the crisp vegetables.
  • Fine-tune the seasoning by balancing lemon juice, salt, and pepper to elevate the salad’s overall flavor profile.
  • Pat the blanched asparagus completely dry to prevent any unwanted wateriness in your final dish.
  • Plunge the just-blanched asparagus into an ice bath immediately, locking in its vibrant green color and stopping the cooking process.
  • Keep your blanching time precise, ensuring the asparagus remains crisp and maintains its bright, fresh appearance.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 135
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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