If you love celebrating the freshness of spring with vibrant flavors and a hint of elegance, Tarragon Asparagus Salad is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. This salad beautifully unites crisp, tender asparagus with aromatic tarragon, sweet red onion, and a zingy Dijon dressing—plus the option to add creamy goat cheese and crunchy toasted almonds if you want a little extra magic. Not only is it a breeze to prepare, but the salad’s stunning green hues and lively taste will make every meal feel just a bit more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe’s charm lies in its simple, purposeful ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, whether lending flavor, color, texture, or just a hint of luxury. Here’s what you’ll gather before making your Tarragon Asparagus Salad:
- Fresh asparagus: Look for firm, bright green spears for the crispest bite and best flavor.
- Red onion: Thin slices deliver just the right pop of color and gentle sharpness.
- Fresh tarragon: This herb adds a whisper of anise and transforms the salad with its fragrant taste.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use your best olive oil for the dressing—it’s the base of that irresistible vinaigrette.
- White wine vinegar: Adds brightness without overpowering the delicate greens.
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon brings tangy complexity and helps the dressing emulsify.
- Honey: Balances out the acidity with a gentle sweetness—you only need a little.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for awakening the flavors of every other ingredient.
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional): A creamy, tangy accent that makes this salad feel restaurant-worthy.
- Toasted sliced almonds (optional): For those who love a bit of crunch and a nutty note in every bite.
How to Make Tarragon Asparagus Salad
Step 1: Blanch the Asparagus
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Add your trimmed asparagus pieces to the pot and let them cook for just two to three minutes—enough to turn brilliantly green and slightly tender, while retaining a fresh snap. As soon as they reach perfection, quickly move the asparagus to a bowl of ice water. This halts the cooking and locks in that gorgeous color. Drain them thoroughly once they’re cool.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Take a minute to taste and adjust as you go—this is where the flavors come together to form the lively heart of your Tarragon Asparagus Salad.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled, drained asparagus with the thinly sliced red onion and the fresh tarragon. Gently drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and toss everything until every ingredient glistens and each bite is infused with herby goodness.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Almonds
If you’re opting to include the crumbled goat cheese or feta and the toasted almond slices, sprinkle them over the salad just before serving. These extra touches make your Tarragon Asparagus Salad truly unforgettable, adding creamy bite and a delightful toasted crunch.
How to Serve Tarragon Asparagus Salad
Garnishes
A final flourish always elevates a dish like Tarragon Asparagus Salad! Extra sprigs of fresh tarragon, a few graceful shavings of lemon zest, or even more toasted almonds make your salad look and taste restaurant-ready—totally tempting and impossible to resist.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled salmon, roast chicken, or a quiche for an elegant brunch. It’s also wonderful with crusty baguette slices for sopping up that extra dressing. Tarragon Asparagus Salad is versatile enough to pair with almost any spring or summer entrée.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, try serving your Tarragon Asparagus Salad in clear glass bowls or on a platter lined with tender baby greens. If you’re hosting, portion it into small jars or glasses for a fun, portable appetizer. Don’t forget a sprinkle of goat cheese and almonds on top for the finishing touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Tarragon Asparagus Salad, pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge—it will stay fresh and tasty for up to two days. The flavors might even deepen as they mingle together overnight, making your lunch the next day even better.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a good candidate for freezing, sadly. Asparagus tends to lose its texture when thawed, and the fresh tarragon’s delicate flavor might turn flat. For the best taste and crunch, always enjoy it fresh or chilled from the fridge.
Reheating
Tarragon Asparagus Salad is truly best served cold or at room temperature, as reheating can sap its refreshing qualities. If you’d like, let it sit out for a few minutes after removing from the fridge to take off the chill before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute another herb for tarragon?
Absolutely! While tarragon’s light anise flavor is part of the salad’s charm, fresh basil, dill, or even parsley make lovely alternatives if you’re out of tarragon or want a slightly different taste.
What’s the best way to toast sliced almonds?
Just pop them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for two to three minutes until they’re fragrant and golden. Watch closely—they turn from perfect to burnt in the blink of an eye!
Can I make Tarragon Asparagus Salad ahead for a party?
Yes, you can! Prepare the asparagus, onion, and tarragon and store them together. The dressing can be mixed and kept separately in the fridge for up to three days. Toss everything together with cheese and almonds right before serving for the freshest results.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Of course—simply skip the goat cheese and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey in the dressing. The core flavors of Tarragon Asparagus Salad will still wow your taste buds!
How do I pick the best asparagus for this salad?
Look for slender, bright green spears with tightly closed tips; they’re the most tender and flavorful. Thick spears can also work but may need a bit longer in the boiling water to achieve just the right bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about sharing a vibrant salad that’s as simple and quick as it is fresh and flavorful. If you haven’t tried Tarragon Asparagus Salad yet, now is the perfect time—gather your friends, bring some sunshine to your table, and watch this springtime favorite disappear bite by bite!
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Tarragon Asparagus Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Tarragon Asparagus Salad is a fresh and vibrant side dish perfect for any occasion. Crisp asparagus is tossed with a tangy dressing and topped with flavorful tarragon, creating a dish that is both light and satisfying.
Ingredients
Asparagus Salad:
- 1 pound fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon (chopped)
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds (optional)
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the Asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking, then drain well.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the blanched asparagus, red onion, and tarragon. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: If using, sprinkle with goat cheese and toasted almonds before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
- You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
- Fresh tarragon adds a delicate anise flavor, but you can substitute with fresh basil or dill if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
