Healthy raw asparagus salad with walnuts, parmesan and a delicious lemon dressing.
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Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
½cupwalnuts
1poundasparagustough ends trimmed
½cupparmesan cheesegrated
Dressing Ingredients
1zest from one lemon
2tablespoonslemon juicefresh squeezed
2tablespoonsolive oil
1clovegarlicminced
¼teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes
¼teaspoonsea salt
⅛teaspoonfresh ground pepper
Instructions
Add walnuts to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Toss occasionally for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the salad, until toasted and fragrant. Remove from heat. Set aside to cool while you make and chill the salad.
Remove the woody ends from the asparagus. Cut the asparagus into thin slices at a sharp angle. Add to a large salad bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over the asparagus. Toss to coat. Chill for an hour to combine flavors.
Chop walnuts on a cutting board roughly. Sprinkle walnuts and grated parmesan over salad.
Notes
Tips for the best raw asparagus salad
Cut the asparagus into thin slices at a steep diagonal. These thin slices of asparagus are delicious and crisp when raw. Cutting the asparagus into slim slices helps it absorb the flavors and be tastier this way.
Toast the walnuts to bring out the flavor. Chop after toasting.
Allow the salad to chill for an hour. This really enhances the flavor.
Top with chopped nuts and cheese for added flavor and protein.