Summer Recipe: Lemon Parmesan Asparagus Salad

Asparagus season is here and there no better time than to take advantage of this locally grown produce here in Ontario. You can pretty much find it at every farmer’s market and local grocers beginning in May and well into the month of June and even early July. The beautiful green spear is full of nutrients so try not to over cook it to keep its optimum goodness! Asparagus is a good source of dietary fibre, potassium, iron, manganese, selenium. It’s also high in Vitamin C (antioxidant) and has more folate than any other vegetable*.

It’s best to enjoy as soon as you get it home but if you plan to store it for a few days, store by wrapping stalks in a damp towel and in the fridge.

I found this easy summer recipe for a Lemon Parmesan Asparagus Salad on the Mazola Canada site as I was planning out our first backyard barbecue with friends this week (since pre-pandemic!). I wanted to use the best of ingredients of the season and this recipe checked all the boxes.  A perfect side dish to accompany the heavier meaty barbecue dishes. This recipe’s dressing uses the base of Mazola RightBlend Oil that is light and doesn’t take over the fresh flavours of the vegetables.

Lemon Parmesan Asparagus Salad (serves 6)

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh Asparagus

Parmesan Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons Mazola RightBlend Oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons minced, fresh dillweed
• 2 tablespoons minced, fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 cup grated, Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Slice asparagus spears into 1-1/2 inch pieces (you can even shave the asparagus if you have a bit more time for a nice presentation!)
2. Cook in boiling water, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes
3. While asparagus is cooking, combine Parmesan Dressing ingredients in a food processor or blender.
4. While asparagus is cooking, combine Parmesan Dressing ingredients in a food processor or blender.
5. Strain water from vegetables and place in serving bowl.
6. Toss with dressing and top up with more parmesan
7. Serve immediately.

If you’re looking for more easy recipes this summer, link here.

*source: Asparagus Farmers of Ontario site: asparagus.on.ca

**Recipe printed with permission