Cold Asparagus Salad with Strawberries

This light and refreshing salad made with crisp asparagus and fresh strawberries takes only fifteen minutes and can be served as a side to any favorite summertime meal.

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings people

Calories 137kcal

Author Kristi

Equipment

1 Air Fryer optional
1 Kitchen shears

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!

Nutrition