This light and refreshing cold asparagus salad is a delicious way to add color and incredible flavor to dinners on warm summer nights. And it only takes fifteen minutes from start to finish!
You will love the texture of this homemade salad, made with tender yet still crisp asparagus, fresh strawberries, walnuts, feta cheese, and a simple balsamic dressing.
I've brought this salad to a few events recently and the feedback I've gotten goes something like this, "This is so good! I've never thought to put asparagus and strawberries together!".
And, if you know me, you know I'm all about keeping things simple. The most complicated step here is getting the asparagus to soften just a little, and it only takes a few minutes! So easy!
If your kids are loving asparagus and strawberries this Spring, you'll have to make my Easy Roasted Asparagus and Carrots and Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad for them!
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Why This Recipe is so Great
- Simple recipe.
- Ready in 15 minutes.
- Same day eating.
- Healthy salad served chilled.
- Asparagus can be air fried, blanched, or lightly roasted (see notes section).
- Includes a variety of textures, which can be great for kids who like to try new things.
- All but the final step can be prepped ahead of time (if needed).
Ingredient Notes
- Asparagus Contains chromium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, and fiber. Asparagus is also known to be a good source of prebiotics. Prebiotics have been shown to be good for human health.
- Strawberries These pretty, heart-shaped berries are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, vitamins, manganese, folate, fiber, and more. Yes, they really are that good for you!
- Walnuts Significantly high in omega-3 ALA, according to California Walnuts. Walnuts are also a good source of protein, fiber, and magnesium.
- Feta Cheese A small amount is added for its unique and salty flavor.
- Balsamic Reduction Also known as balsamic glaze. It adds a natural sweetness and incredible flavor that everyone loves!
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a quick overview of the steps to make this healthy salad. For the full list of ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.
- Cook the asparagus just for a few minutes. You want the asparagus crisp but not raw. Options: air fry at 400 degrees for 3-4 minutes, roast in the oven at 400 degrees for 6-7 minutes, or blanch for one minute. The time range is given because asparagus stalks come in all different sizes (thin asparagus spears will cook quicker than thick spears).
- Cut asparagus into one-inch pieces using kitchen shears.
- While the asparagus cools, slice the strawberries in half lengthwise.
- Whisk together the dressing.
- Toss all ingredients together. Serve chilled.
Dietitian Tips
Have you heard the saying 'everything tastes betta with feta'? Ha!
Feta cheese has a strong flavor, so most kids will not enjoy biting into a big chunk of it. However, if you crumble it into small pieces and use just a small amount, it will add a lovely flavor without overpowering the dish.
Expert Tips
- Do not overcook the asparagus. This salad tastes best when the asparagus has some crunch to it.
- Using an air fryer is the quickest way to get the asparagus tender but still crisp because it eliminates the need to preaheat an oven or boil water.
- If your kids like garlic, use one small clove of minced garlic in place of the garlic powder.
- All of the steps to prepare this simple salad can be done ahead of time.
- Serve this salad the same day that you toss it all together. While leftovers can be enjoyed the next day, the strawberries will soften, and the asparagus won't be as crisp.
- If your kids like mustard, increase the amount of Dijon to 2 teaspoons.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You definitely can eat asparagus raw. However, because of its rough texture, most people (especially kids) prefer to eat asparagus that has been cooked.
This salad can be served as a side to anything you would serve at a barbecue or picnic, like burgers, sandwiches, pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even pizza!
More Incredible Salad Recipes
Did your kids love this easy and delicious salad? Please leave a 5-star rating below or a review in the comments section!
Don't forget to snap a pic of their colorful asparagus salad with strawberries and tag @carrots.and.cookies on Instagram so I can see it. Enjoy!
Cold Asparagus Salad with Strawberries
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer optional
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Asparagus About two bunches. Washed and ends removed.
- 2 cups Strawberries Washed, stems removed, and sliced in half
- ⅓ cup Walnut pieces toasted
- ¼ cup Feta cheese Crumbled
Dressing
- 2 ½ tablespoon Balsamic reduction Also known as balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil extra virgin
- 1 ½ teaspoon Dijon Mustard Up to 2 teaspoon if your kids really like the flavor of mustard.
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic powder Or one small clove of fresh garlic, minced.
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 dash black pepper
Instructions
- Air fry asparagus at 400 degrees for 3-4 minutes. If you don't have an air fryer, either blanch the asparagus for one minute or roast asparagus in the oven at 400 degrees for 6 minutes. See notes.
- While the asparagus cools, cut strawberries in half lengthwise and place in a medium mixing bowl.
- Whisk all of the dressing ingredients together in a small prep bowl.
- Cut the asparagus into one-inch pieces using kitchen shears. Add the asparagus pieces to the bowl with strawberries
- Add walnut pieces and feta cheese to the bowl with asparagus and strawberries.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Do not overcook the asparagus. This salad tastes best when the asparagus has some crunch to it.
- Using an air fryer is the quickest way to get the asparagus tender but still crisp because it eliminates the need to preheat an oven or boil water.
- If your kids like garlic, use one small clove of minced garlic in place of the garlic powder.
- All of the steps to prepare this simple salad can be done ahead of time.
- Serve this salad the same day that you toss it all together. While leftovers can be enjoyed the next day, the strawberries will soften, and the asparagus won't be as crisp.
- If your kids like mustard, increase the amount of Dijon to 2 teaspoons.
- If your kids really like feta cheese, you can double the amount in this recipe.
- If your kids enjoy walnuts in their salads, double the amount in this recipe.
- Let your older kids help make this salad by letting them cut the asparagus with kitchen scissors and slice strawberries! They will also have fun tossing it all together!
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