Are you tired of boring, predictable side dishes that leave your taste buds begging for excitement? Prepare to be amazed by this stunning Asparagus Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing - a culinary masterpiece that combines crisp, tender asparagus with a tangy, creamy blue cheese dressing that will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. This restaurant-quality recipe is not just a salad; it's a flavor experience that will have your guests wondering if a professional chef secretly invaded your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the tough woody ends by holding each spear and gently bending until it naturally breaks at the point where the tender part meets the tough base.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Carefully place the asparagus spears into the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Immediately remove the asparagus from boiling water using tongs and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This technique, called shocking, helps maintain the asparagus's vibrant color and crisp texture.
- While the asparagus is cooling, prepare the blue cheese dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drain the cooled asparagus and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange the asparagus spears on a serving platter in a neat, parallel arrangement.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the asparagus. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese generously across the top of the salad.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to allow the dressing to slightly absorb into the asparagus. Serve immediately as a fresh, elegant side dish.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus with tight, compact tips for the best texture and flavor.
- When blanching, watch the asparagus closely - the key is bright green and crisp-tender, not mushy.
- The ice bath is crucial: it stops the cooking process and helps maintain that beautiful vibrant color.
- Use high-quality blue cheese for maximum flavor impact - a little goes a long way!
- Let the salad rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to slightly absorb into the asparagus.
- For a gourmet touch, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding crispy pancetta as an optional garnish.
- Serve at room temperature for the most balanced and rich flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
