Simple Vinaigrette – Asparagus Salad

other recipes

Spring

|

30 mins

|

2 servings

Next on the syllabus of CSA Cookery 101 is simple vinaigrettes. According to my textbook from culinary school, On Cooking, “The standard ratio is three parts oil to one part vinegar” but I prefer my dressing to have a little more zip. I prefer a ratio of one part oil to one part acid. I say acid instead of vinegar because I believe in being more open minded; vinegar, pickle liquid, citrus juice or anything sour could play the role of acid. A neutral oil like sunflower or canola works best as to not overpower like olive oil might (unless maybe you want that flavor). A little sweetness helps to balance the acid (maple syrup here, but could be anything) and mustard helps hold it all together. From there, you can add any other flavors that peak your tastebuds. This vinaigrette can be used to toss a basic greens salad, as a sauce for a sandwich, or on a veggie salad like broccoli or asparagus, in the case of this recipe.

vibrant asparagus salad in a white bowl

Ingredients

from your CSA Club Share

from your pantry

  • Oil – 3 T
    • Neutral, like sunflower or canola.
  • Pickled Onion – garnish
  • Pickled Onion Liquid – 3 T
  • Mustard – 2 t
    • Brown or dijon, but any type would work.
  • Maple Syrup – 2 t
  • Sunflower Seeds (toasted) – ¼ c

larder items

tools

  • Pint jar with lid (for mixing, not necessary)

Directions

mise

  1. Chop asparagus and pickled asparagus  into ~ 1” pieces. Set aside in a medium-large bowl.
  2. Thinly slice radishes. Add to bowl with asparagus.
  3. Thinly slice onion and add to bowl with other veggies.
  4. Add oil, pickled onion liquid, mustard, maple syrup, and green garlic salt to a pint jar or small mixing bowl and mix (put on lid and shake if jar). Taste and adjust salt, sweet, or acid if needed

cook

  1. Add the sunflower seeds to the veggies, pour over the dressing, and mix.

plate

Spoon the asparagus into bowls, garnish with pickled onion, and enjoy.