Description
Easy Easter Asparagus Salad is a fresh and vibrant spring dish featuring crisp asparagus, smoky savory turkey bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, and creamy plant-based feta cheese tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing with fresh herbs. This light, satisfying salad is perfect as a side or a light main course and brightens any spring table.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Salad Components
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Protein and Cheese
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon (crispy and chopped)
- 1/2 cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 6 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus: Trim the tough ends from the asparagus. Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and preserve crunch.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: While the asparagus cools, cook smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the other veggies: Slice cherry tomatoes in halves, thinly slice red onion, and finely chop fresh herbs.
- Make the apple cider vinegar dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil (natural), salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent if desired for thicker consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toss everything together: In a large bowl, combine cooled asparagus, turkey bacon pieces, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and herbs. Crumble plant-based feta cheese on top and pour in the dressing. Toss lightly to combine and evenly coat.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and dressing absorb.
Notes
- Do not overcook asparagus to retain crunchiness.
- Cook turkey bacon until crisp for texture contrast.
- Prepare and chill dressing ahead for better flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for best taste.
- Toss salad close to serving time to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Spring Seasonal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: asparagus salad, spring salad, Easter salad, turkey bacon salad, plant-based feta, apple cider vinegar dressing, fresh herbs, light salad
