Vibrant Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad Recipe

Vibrant Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s asparagus salad transforms ordinary greens into a vibrant spring symphony.

Emerald spears dance alongside crisp ingredients, creating a nutritional masterpiece.

Delicate textures weave through this light, elegant dish that sings of garden freshness.

Seasonal vegetables burst with natural flavors, promising a delightful culinary journey.

Nutritious elements mingle in a harmonious blend that awakens taste buds.

Creamy and crunchy components elevate this simple recipe beyond traditional salad expectations.

You’ll fall in love with every tantalizing, health-packed bite.

What You’ll Need for Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad

  • Large pot: Perfect for boiling water and blanching vegetables.
  • Bowl: One large for ice water, another for mixing dressing.
  • Kitchen towel: Helps dry asparagus after blanching.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
  • Mixing bowl: Combines dressing and vegetables with ease.
  • Cutting board: Useful for slicing radishes and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping herbs and slicing vegetables.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt and seasonings.
  • Serving plate: Provides a beautiful canvas for the colorful salad.

Assembly Steps for Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad

Assembly Steps for Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad
  • Prep Your Cooking Zone

Get a big pot of salted water bubbling and create an ice bath nearby. This quick-chill technique keeps your veggies looking and tasting amazing.

  • Quick Blanch Magic

Swoosh asparagus into the boiling water for just a minute until it turns a stunning bright green. Instantly plunge into the ice bath to lock in that gorgeous color and crisp texture.

  • Dress to Impress

Whip up a zesty sauce by blending tangy lemon juice with smooth olive oil, then season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss your blanched asparagus and fresh peas in this vibrant mixture until every morsel is coated with flavor.

  • Create a Stunning Plate

Spread a creamy avocado base across your serving dish. Artfully arrange the dressed vegetables on top. Scatter crunchy toasted pine nuts, bright radish slices, and crumble salty feta cheese over the salad. Finish with delicate herb leaves that add a pop of freshness.

  • Serve and Savor

Bring your colorful masterpiece to the table immediately. Each bite promises a burst of spring-inspired flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds and impress any dinner guest.

Tips for Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad Success

  • Quick Chilling Technique: Plunge blanched asparagus into ice water immediately to lock in bright green color and maintain crisp texture, preventing overcooking.
  • Flavor Boosting Hack: Grate lemon zest into dressing for an extra citrusy punch that elevates the entire salad's brightness and complexity.
  • Protein Power-Up: Swap feta with grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu to transform this light salad into a complete meal that satisfies hunger and provides balanced nutrition.
  • Seasonal Ingredient Swap: Replace asparagus with seasonal green vegetables like sugar snap peas, green beans, or broccolini during different times of the year to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable.

Serving Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad

  • Elevate Your Dining Experience: Serve this asparagus salad as a stunning side dish at springtime brunches or elegant dinner parties. The bright colors and fresh ingredients will impress your guests.
  • Perfect Protein Pairing: Complement the salad with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or roasted white fish to create a complete and nutritious meal that balances flavors and textures.
  • Create Stunning Presentation: Arrange the salad on a white ceramic plate to make the green asparagus and vibrant radishes pop. Drizzle extra dressing around the edges for a restaurant-style look that feels both sophisticated and inviting.
  • Make It Portable: Pack the components separately for a delightful picnic or work lunch. Keep the dressing in a small container and assemble just before eating to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.

How to Store Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad

  • Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover asparagus salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing and vegetables separate to maintain crisp texture.
  • Prep-Ahead Power: Blanch asparagus and prepare dressing up to 24 hours in advance. Store components separately in sealed containers to keep ingredients fresh and vibrant.
  • Smart Serving Strategy: Bring salad to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor profiles. Gently remix ingredients to redistribute dressing and revive the salad's original appeal.
  • Freezing Finesse: Avoid freezing this delicate salad, as fresh vegetables will lose their crisp texture and vibrant color when thawed. Best enjoyed within 48 hours of preparation for optimal taste and quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad Ingredient List

For Vegetables and Fresh Produce:
  • Asparagus: Look for bright green, firm stalks with tight tips, avoiding any woody or yellowing stems.
  • Fresh Peas: Choose plump, vibrant green pods that feel full and have a smooth, unblemished surface.
  • Radishes: Select crisp, firm radishes with smooth, bright skin and fresh-looking green tops.
  • Avocado: Pick ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure without being mushy.
  • Fresh Basil or Mint: Seek bright green leaves with no wilting or dark spots, ensuring maximum flavor.
For Dairy and Cheese:
  • Feta Cheese: Opt for creamy, tangy cheese with a rich, crumbly texture from quality sheep's or goat's milk.
For Dressing and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil with a smooth, fruity flavor for the best dressing base.
  • Lemon: Select juicy, firm lemons with bright, unblemished skin for maximum zesty freshness.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and clean, pure seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides the most robust and aromatic flavor.
For Crunchy Garnish:
  • Pine Nuts: Look for golden, plump pine nuts with a rich, buttery aroma and no signs of rancidity.
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Vibrant Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad Recipe

Vibrant Jamie Oliver Asparagus Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Jamie Oliver’s asparagus salad celebrates fresh spring ingredients with crisp greens and tangy dressing. Mediterranean-inspired flavors blend beautifully, offering you a light and refreshing culinary experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 bunches asparagus (200250 g), tender parts, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 3 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado (for avocado dressing)
  • ⅓ cup (50 g) crumbled feta
  • ¼ cup (30 g) pine nuts
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • ½ garlic clove, grated
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Mint or basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Blanching Preparation: Fill a large bowl with ice water and bring a salted pot of water to a vigorous boil.
  2. Asparagus Cooking: Submerge asparagus in boiling water for 60-75 seconds until achieving a vivid green color with a crisp-tender consistency, then immediately transfer to the ice bath to halt cooking and preserve color.
  3. Dressing Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to craft a bright, zesty vinaigrette.
  4. Salad Assembly: Drain asparagus thoroughly, then combine with green peas in the prepared vinaigrette, ensuring each element is evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Plating Technique: Spread a smooth layer of avocado dressing across the serving plate, strategically positioning the dressed asparagus and peas on top for visual appeal.
  6. Finishing Touches: Artfully sprinkle thinly sliced radishes, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and delicate fresh basil or mint leaves to elevate the salad’s texture, flavor, and aesthetic presentation.

Notes

  • Blanch with Precision: Cook asparagus exactly 60-75 seconds to maintain vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture without overcooking.
  • Chill Immediately: Use ice bath technique to stop cooking process instantly, preserving bright color, nutrients, and preventing mushiness.
  • Season Strategically: Whisk vinaigrette ingredients thoroughly to ensure balanced flavor distribution across asparagus and peas.
  • Plate with Artistry: Layer avocado dressing as base, then arrange vegetables carefully for visual appeal and maximum flavor integration.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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