Spring is the perfect time of year to enjoy fresh, light dishes that delight the palate and are also healthy. Our asparagus salad recipe combines the delicate flavors of white and green asparagus with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, and spicy shrimp. This shrimp recipe is ideal for those looking for a light yet delicious meal.
The dressing of white balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard gives the salad a delicate, slightly sweet note that perfectly complements the savory shrimp. Accompanied by toasted whole-grain bread, this asparagus and shrimp salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a culinary highlight that will delight both gourmets and amateur cooks.
Working time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 500 g white asparagus
- 500 g green asparagus
- 1 pinch of sugar
- Salt
- 1 small head of light romaine lettuce
- 300 g yellow and red cherry tomatoes
- 4 - 5 sprigs of fresh basil
For the dressing:
- 4 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp walnut oil
- Pepper & Salt
Aside from that:
- 300 g shrimp
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil for frying
- Black pepper & salt
- 4 slices of wholemeal bread
preparation
Preparing the asparagus:
- Prepare the asparagus: Wash both types of asparagus. Peel the white asparagus and trim off the woody ends. Cut the asparagus diagonally into approximately 4 cm long pieces. For the green asparagus, peel the bottom third, trim off the ends, and also cut diagonally into approximately 3 cm long pieces.
- Cooking the asparagus: Blanch or steam the asparagus with a pinch of sugar in lightly salted water for about 8 minutes, until tender and crisp. Then drain and rinse with cold water.
Preparing the salad:
- Romaine lettuce and tomatoes: Trim and wash the romaine lettuce, and cut the leaves into wide strips. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Basil: Rinse the basil, shake dry and finely chop the leaves, setting aside a few leaves for decoration.
Preparation of the dressing:
- Prepare the dressing: Combine the vinegar with the honey and mustard. Whisk in the walnut oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir the chopped basil into the dressing.
Assembling the salad:
- Toss the salad: Toss the asparagus, romaine lettuce, and cherry tomatoes with the dressing. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or a nice plate and let it marinate.
Preparation of the shrimp:
- Marinate and fry the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with a paper towel. Peel the garlic cloves and slice them. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan and briefly fry or sear the shrimp until lightly browned and translucent. Add the garlic slices and fry briefly. Season everything with pepper and a small pinch of salt.
Arranging and serving:
- Serving: Arrange the hot shrimp on top of the asparagus salad and garnish with the remaining basil leaves. Toast the whole-grain bread, if desired, and serve alongside. This creates a perfect shrimp salad recipe that appeals to all the senses.
Tips & Variations
- Variations: Instead of shrimp, you can also use fried chicken strips or tofu cubes.
- Using leftovers: Leftover salad can be served the next day as a side dish to a light lunch.
- Seasonal adjustments: In summer, fresh strawberries or blueberries go perfectly with this salad and add a fruity touch.
Serving suggestion
Serve this fresh spring salad on elegant Misty Cliff plates, which showcase the dish with style. Arrange the shrimp decoratively on the colorful bed of lettuce and garnish with the remaining basil leaves. Serve with crispy toasted whole-grain bread, which you can arrange around the edge of the plate. A refreshing drink like homemade lemonade or a sparkling fruit juice perfectly rounds off the meal and creates a harmonious overall effect. With this presentation, your asparagus and shrimp salad will be the highlight of any meal.
Conclusion
This asparagus and shrimp salad is a perfect blend of fresh, seasonal ingredients and aromatic flavors. The combination of roasted asparagus, juicy cherry tomatoes, and spicy shrimp, rounded off with a delicate walnut dressing, creates an unparalleled taste experience. Whether you toss the asparagus in butter or sauté it in olive oil, the versatility of this dish is astounding. Roasting shrimp with garlic and serving them on top of the salad adds an extra dimension of flavor that will impress everyone.
Try this asparagus shrimp recipe and enjoy the fresh flavors of spring.
Enjoy your meal and have fun cooking!
