Shaved Asparagus Salad

This shaved asparagus salad is a springtime favorite! Peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese and raw asparagus are tossed in a fresh lemony vinaigrette to make a delicious side dish sure to impress!

Why we love this recipe for shaved asparagus salad

This bright, vibrant salad is packed with spring vegetables and takes just 20 minutes! It’s a great way to use up your favorite springtime vegetable. The tender buttery sweet flavor of the asparagus has a hint of earthy bitterness, and when it’s paired with creamy goat cheese, it’s like heaven in each bite! The slivered almonds add a lovely crunch, too! Finally, it’s drizzled with a flavorful lemon dressing that is to die for!

Pair this simple salad with my grilled pork tenderloin or your other favorite grilled summer favorites for a quick weeknight dinner! Looking for more asparagus recipes? Click here!

Key Ingredients for this spring salad recipe

Fresh Asparagus

Peak asparagus season is in early spring, but depending on where you live, the season lasts anywhere from April until June. Thicker stalks are easier to shave down than thin stalks.

Arugula

I love the peppery flavor of arugula and the added layer of flavor it gives to this salad. If you’re not a fan, you could substitute mixed greens or spinach. Let the arugula come to room temperature before adding to the salad for the best flavor.

Sugar Snap Peas

When it comes to adding peas to salads, choose sugar snaps. They have the same bright sweetness as shelled peas but, eaten pod and all (no shucking required)!

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese pairs really well with asparagus, and I love the creaminess it adds to this salad. If you’re not a fan, you could substitute a salty cheese like feta or parmesan cheese!

Almonds

Slivered almonds add a nice crunch to this salad, but if you’re allergic, you can add pecans, pine nuts, or even walnuts!

Lemons

Lemon juice and lemon zest are used in the salad and dressing to bring a nice burst of freshness. Sliced lemons are added for a garnish, too, but not necessary.

Additional ingredients

Extra virgin Olive Oil

Basil

Garlic

Kosher Salt

Black Pepper

Step by Step Instructions to make this Shaved Asparagus Salad

Use a sharp vegetable peeler to shave the asparagus. First, trim off the tough ends of each asparagus stalk. Then lay an asparagus spear flat on a cutting board. Starting at the bottom end, use the peeler to shave the entire stalk into long thin strips. Place the asparagus shavings in a large bowl and repeat with the remaining asparagus. I prefer a Y-peeler like this one, but any vegetable peeler will work. Alternatively, you could use a small mandoline like this one. Place the ribbons of shaved asparagus to a large bowl.

Add the arugula to a serving dish or bowl and top with asparagus ribbons. Toss together. Add sliced sugar snap peas and sliced radishes. Top with almonds, goat cheese, and thin lemon slices for garnish.

To make the homemade dressing, combine basil, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil in a small blender and blend to combine. Drizzle the salad with dressing and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve the salad immediately.

FAQs and Expert tips

Additional Recipes to Try

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad – this roasted beet salad with quinoa and a light champagne vinaigrette is a light salad, perfect for any occasion!

Air Fried Whitefish – serve this salad alongside some air-fried white fish for a healthy dinner idea!

Lavender Blackberry Shortcakes – this spring dessert is the perfect way to end any meal!

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