Stunning and elegant, this verdant Shaved Asparagus Salad is packed with fresh herbs and late spring vegetables. Serve it with a creamy ball of fresh burrata and a simple vinaigrette.
I love the expression ‘we eat with our eyes’. It’s such an odd way to say that everyone loves a visually appealing dish. Check out these stunning composed salads Pink Grapefruit Endive and Avocado Salad or Smoked Cherry Grilled Radicchio Salad here on the blog!
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Shaved Asparagus Salad
Crunchy, creamy, raw, herby, and green. That is the best way to describe this amazing salad. Raw asparagus can be tough and unpleasant in large pieces. However, shaving it into thin strips with a vegetable peeler solves that problem!
Do you have a special brunch or family barbecue planned or do you just love next level salads? This salad is the perfect showstopper to serve at special events or any weeknight dinner.
Can I tell you a little secret? This salad is really easy to whip up and tastes as good as it looks. Okay, that’s two secrets. The only skills you need to whip it up are dicing, shelling, mixing, and peeling.
With a little bit of prep, you will have a stunning salad packed with green seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy burrata.
Ingredients in Shaved Asparagus Salad
This salad is a souped up version of the Fava Bean and Asparagus Salad I found on Bon Appetit when I was looking for a fava bean recipe.
I substituted pea shoots for arugula, quick pickled red onion for shallots, and added a ball of burrata. Believe me, burrata makes everything better!
- Purple Asparagus
- Fava Beans
- Pea Shoots
- Red Onion
- Pistachio
- Lemon Juice
- White Balsamic Vinegar
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Dijon Mustard
- Salt
- Fresh Tarragon
- Fresh Mint
- Chive Blossoms
- Burrata
Any colour of asparagus will work in this recipe. Purple asparagus makes a very eye catching salad when shaved. It has a beautiful purple exterior and fresh green interior. Green asparagus or even white asparagus will do as long as the spears are large enough to be shaved.
Fava beans have a very short season of availability, so the best time to make salad is late spring/early summer. If you miss them, freshly shelled green peas would be the perfect replacement.
As mentioned, the original recipe had arugula or watercress as a leafy green instead of pea shoots. Feel free to use them, if your prefer.
For the dressing, I added a bit of Dijon mustard and used white balsamic instead of white wine or champagne vinegar. It’s really just a basic mustard vinaigrette, nothing fancy.
Two ingredients that you must not leave out of this recipe are the fresh tarragon and mint. This salad must contain fresh herbs for the best flavour.
Chive blossoms are entirely edible but unless you grow your own chives, they are very difficult to find. Use any other edible flower in their place, or none at all.
Lastly, I do love adding a fresh ball of burrata to salads. Not only is it delicious but it makes them much more substantial. Leave it out to make this salad vegan or replace it with little balls of bocconcini (or shaved parmesan cheese).
How to Make a Shaved Asparagus Salad
How to Shave Asparagus
Let’s begin by preparing the asparagus spears. Buy thick, firm recently picked asparagus for best results. Soak it in cold water, then remove the tough bottom inch or two of the stalk.
To use a vegetable peeler to shave the asparagus, firmly grasp the tip and press the peeler into the stalk while traveling downward. Repeat until the entire stalk has been peeled. If you feel comfortable using a mandoline, it also shaves the asparagus nicely.
Shave the other asparagus spears, then trim off the tips and slice them in half lengthwise. Arrange the asparagus in a large bowl and set aside.
Quick Picked Red Onions
I love the colourful pop the diced red onions give this salad. However sometimes I find their flavour a little too overpowering. My solution is to dice them up, then place them in a small bowl of cold water.
After five minutes, drain the cold water. Then, cover with white vinegar and let them sit at least ten minutes before adding them to the salad.
How to Prepare Fresh Fava Beans
Did you know that fava beans need to be double peeled? First they need to be removed from the large thick pod. I used to have the kids do this as free labour but now that we’re empty nesters I get my husband to do it!
It’s pretty easy, just grasp the top stem and peel it downward. Next, slide your finger along the side seam and press it open. Remove the beans.
Blanch the beans in a small pan of boiling water over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Drain them well then place immediately in a bowl of ice water.
Finally, peel the outer layer or skin off the bean by pressing your thumbnail into the scar end (where it was attached to the pod). Carefully rip it open and the finished bean should slide right out.
Let’s Make a Simple Dijon Vinaigrette
I don’t have a fancy vinaigrette shaker, so I make my homemade dressing in a 250 ml jar. Simply place the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and white balsamic vinegar into the jar.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then screw the lid on and shake it vigorously.
Other Ingredients
There are a few more ingredients that need to be prepped for this salad. Gently wash and dry the fresh herbs, pea shoots, and chive blossoms. Roughly chop the herbs then shell and chop the pistachios on a cutting board.
Putting it All Together
Scatter all of the components (except the burrata, tarragon, and mint) in amongst the shaved asparagus. Pour the vinaigrette dressing over the salad then toss to coat.
Scatter the mint and tarragon over the salad and place the burrata on top. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Shaved Asparagus Salad with Burrata
Stunning and elegant, this verdant Shaved Asparagus Salad is packed with fresh herbs and late spring vegetables. Serve it with a creamy ball of fresh burrata and a simple vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 350g)
- 1 cup fava beans (about 1 lb pods)
- 1/4 cup red onion; finely minced*
- 1/3 cup pistachios; chopped
- 2 cups pea shoots
- 1 tbsp cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cup white balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon; chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint; chopped
- 1 burrata (optional)
Instructions
FOR THE FAVA BEANS
- Remove the beans from the pods.
- Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil, then add the beans.
- Blanche for 4 minutes, then drain. Immediately place in a bowl of ice water and allow to cool thoroughly.
- Remove the fava bean skins, then set aside.
FOR THE ASPARAGUS
- Wash thoroughly, then remove asparagus heads. Slice them in half lengthwise then set aside.
- Shave the asparagus into long thin strips using either a mandoline or sharp vegetable peeler. Arrange in a salad bowl, then add the sliced asparagus heads.
THE VINAIGRETTE
- Place lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small jar. Cover and shake vigorously.
THE SALAD
- Add the fava beans, finely diced red onions, chopped pistachios, and chopped pea shoots to the salad bowl.
- Dress the salad with the vinaigrette and scatter the fresh tarragon and mint over all. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with or without a ball of fresh burrata.
Notes
*If the red onion is quite strong, soak the diced onion in cold water for ten minutes. Then drain well and soak in white vinegar for another ten minutes. Drain to use in the salad.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 327Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 359mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 8gSugar: 8gProtein: 12g
Nutritional calculation was provided by Nutritionix and is an estimation only. For special diets or medical issues please use your preferred calculator.
I made this salad many times and it is always fantastic! My whole family loves it and that’s the most important. It’s fresh and healthy. Thanks
Excellent. I’m so glad your family enjoys this healthy salad.
Asparagus might be my favourite spring vegetable, and lucky for me, I have a fresh bunch in the fridge right now. Nothing beats a simple vinaigrette, and I even have some champagne vinegar begging to be used, so I will have to give this a try with the bougie stuff. And that burrata! It’s calling my name.
hahaha bring on the bougie!!
Nothing says spring like asparagus! What a gorgeous salad, almost too pretty to eat. This was delicious for a light lunch with my friends!
I’m a huge sucker for burrata and asparagus and your salad delightfully combines the two. I’m quite intrigued as I’ve never cooked with fava beans and I’d like to. This will be my summer salad, thanks for the inspiration. By the way, I make my dressing the same way and I love it!! Cheers
Awesome…great minds think alike! So glad love all the same great food.
This is my kind of salad! This Shaved Asparagus Salad is packed with fresh herbs and spring vegetables. Love it.
Yes! Happy Spring eating Uma.
What a great idea this was to use asparagus in a salad! It’s not always my favorite when cooked, but this is right up my alley! So good!
!
yes! It’s still fresh and crunchy. It goes really well with the vinaigrette.
What a great idea for a summer salad! I love asparagus! The bright green colors scream spring and summer! Thanks for the share!
You are very welcome Ann. I’m a firm believer that we eat with our eyes first!
Loved this salad! So crunchy and refreshing, perfect for the coming season of spring and summer. I skipped the burrata but it still tasted amazing.
Yes, I’m glad you tried it even without the burrata it’s an fun and interesting salad.
What a beautiful spring salad. Love the colours. Asparagus is so delicious. This presentation is picture perfect.
Thank you Gloria. I am always so excited for asparagus season…I mean Spring!
Everytime I try to make a shaved asparagus salad, it never looks as good as this – but I think I just needed your handy tips and advice to get it right!
Thank you so much! It really helps to experiment with flavours and colours, nothing should be included solely on how it looks as flavour is most important.
I love asparagus and burrata, so this recipe is perfect for me! I’m very excited to make this recipe since it looks super delicious. Thank you for sharing!
Excellent! Enjoy the journey and flavour.
Making the salad was actually easier than I thought. The flavors were out of this world, I just cant wait to make this again!
Right? It looks technical but really isn’t. Glad you enjoyed it Kate.
This is the most beautiful salad I have ever seen! Astonishingly beautiful! I must try your recipe!
Thank you so much Kari! It’s true that we eat with our eyes.
First of all, as a salad food lover, this definitely will be on my list. It looks so delicious and the vibes it give makes it so enticing plus the fact it’s super healthy.
You bet it is. Plus, cheese!!
I’ve been obsessed with burrata lately so this asparagus salad is calling my name! We’ll definitely be enjoying this regularly!
Oh man, there are so many ways to enjoy this special cheese. I also have a grilled peach recipe that includes burrata and they go really well together.
Wow! This salad looks like a piece of art! I want to make it for our next cookout party, it looks so fancy!
That’s what I love about it! It looks fancy but is perfectly delicious in any setting.
This is my kind of salad, filled with fresh flavors but sturdy and filling. Love the addition of the herbs and pistachios!!
Thank you Tristin. It’s so fresh and green.
I love shaved asparagus! And you’re right — burrata does make everything better!
It is my favourite way to top a summer salad!
A beautiful looking AND tasting salad. So much flavor and variety of textures.
I can never resist a beautiful salad…it makes me eat more veggies!
My wife is going to love this! She is a fan of good salads and this Shaved Asparagus Salad with Burrata recipe is one of them.
It’s so amazing. Delicious and healthy too. She will definitely love this.
I had no idea that shaving asparagus could be such a game changer! Delicious and beautiful salad!
Yes! I love how it softens right up in the vinaigrette too.
Bernice your photos are getting better and better!! I love this shaved asparagus salad!! more bite sized and less “asparagusy”
Thank you Nancy! I have an idea in my head for this salad especially and am very happy with how it turned out.