Description
This Easy Easter Asparagus Salad combines fresh, crisp asparagus and vegetables with smoky turkey bacon and a tangy dressing made from apple cider vinegar (natural). Enhanced with plant-based feta and fresh herbs, it offers a vibrant, flavorful spring dish perfect as a light main or side.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Protein
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based feta (dairy), crumbled
Dressing
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or dill), finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Asparagus: Trim the tough ends of the asparagus stalks. Blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to keep their vibrant color and crispness.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Once cooled, chop into bite-size pieces ready to sprinkle over the salad.
- Chop Fresh Vegetables: Slice the cherry tomatoes in halves, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion to add crisp freshness and variety in texture.
- Mix the Dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Fold in finely chopped fresh herbs for extra aroma.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine asparagus, chopped vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, and crumbled plant-based feta (dairy). Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Notes
- Use fresh asparagus to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the asparagus; blanch just enough to maintain crunch and color.
- Let the dressing sit for a few minutes before tossing for deeper flavor.
- Chop all vegetables uniformly for an even bite.
- Add plant-based feta last to preserve its creamy texture without melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing, Blanching
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Easter salad, asparagus salad, spring vegetables, plant-based feta, smoked turkey bacon, fresh herbs, gluten free, easy salad
