Strawberry Asparagus Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing
This fresh strawberry asparagus salad is the ultimate spring and summer salad recipe — bursting with juicy strawberries, tender grilled asparagus, creamy feta, and crunchy almond slivers, all tossed in a tangy Dijon-maple dressing. It’s light, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make — a healthy salad that looks fancy but takes only minutes!
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups fresh lamb’s lettuce - corn salad or mixed greens
- 1 lbs (500g) strawberries - sliced
- 1/2 lbs (250g) asparagus - trimmed
- 3.5 oz (100g) crumbled feta cheese - or vegan cheese
- ½ cup almond slivers - or nuts/seeds of your choice
For the Dijon-Maple Dressing
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp vinegar - balsamic, red wine, or white wine
- 4 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves - minced
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust as needed — more vinegar for tang, or maple syrup for sweetness.
Prepare the Asparagus:
- Grilled: Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over high heat for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender.
- Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sauté asparagus 5–6 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- Slice asparagus into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, layer the greens, strawberries, feta, and grilled asparagus.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the maple-Dijon dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with almonds or seeds just before serving.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Make it Vegan: Swap feta for vegan cheese or creamy avocado slices.
- Add Protein: Try grilled tofu, chickpeas, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Make Ahead: Grill the asparagus and mix the dressing up to 2 days in advance. Toss just before serving.
- Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra brightness.
- Serving Idea: Perfect with grilled portobellos or served alongside your favorite BBQ dishes.