π₯π Asparagus, Strawberry Salad With Honey Lime Dressing π₯π
What is it?
Asparagus, Strawberry Salad with Honey Lime Dressing is a delightful and refreshing salad that combines the earthy flavors of asparagus with the sweetness of strawberries and the tangy zing of a honey-lime dressing. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal or side dish.
History:
The exact origin of this particular salad is a bit unclear, but it’s a modern creation that likely emerged as people began experimenting with unique flavor combinations. The concept of combining fruits and vegetables in salads has been around for a while, and this salad is a delicious example of that trend.
Components:
For the Salad:
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., baby spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
For the Honey Lime Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Asparagus:
- Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. You can also peel the lower part if they are thick. Then, blanch the asparagus in a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green but are still crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain.
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Make the Honey Lime Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the balance of sweetness and acidity to your liking.
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Assemble the Salad:
- On a large serving platter or individual plates, arrange the mixed greens, blanched asparagus, and sliced strawberries. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese (if using) and chopped nuts on top.
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Drizzle with Dressing:
- Just before serving, drizzle the honey lime dressing over the salad.
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Serve:
- Serve your Asparagus, Strawberry Salad with Honey Lime Dressing immediately and enjoy!
Time Needed:
The preparation time for this salad typically ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your efficiency in preparing the ingredients. The blanching of asparagus takes a couple of minutes, and making the dressing is quick. The total time may vary based on your experience in the kitchen and the quantity you are making.
This salad is perfect for a light and flavorful meal, especially in the spring and summer months. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the delightful combination of asparagus and strawberries, all topped with that sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing! π₯ππ―π
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Asparagus, Strawberry Salad with Honey Lime Dressing:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values)
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 120-150 calories (depending on ingredients used)
- Protein: 2-4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugars: 10-15 grams
- Fat: 7-10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 150-250 milligrams (mainly from the dressing and optional cheese)
- Vitamin C: Approximately 60-80% of the recommended daily intake
- Vitamin A: Approximately 15-20% of the recommended daily intake
- Vitamin K: Approximately 30-40% of the recommended daily intake
- Folate: Approximately 20-25% of the recommended daily intake
- Potassium: Approximately 10% of the recommended daily intake
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: This salad is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
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Rich in Fiber: The mixed greens, asparagus, and strawberries in this salad provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help you feel full.
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High in Vitamins: This salad is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which is essential for immune health, and vitamin K, which supports bone health. It also contains vitamin A and folate, which are important for various bodily functions.
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Healthy Fats: The olive oil and nuts in the salad provide healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
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Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol: This salad is low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol, which is heart-healthy.
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Nuts and Cheese (optional): Including nuts and cheese adds extra protein and healthy fats to the salad, but it also increases the calorie and sodium content.
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Antioxidants: The strawberries in this salad are a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
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Hydration: Strawberries have a high water content, contributing to your daily hydration needs.
Remember that the specific nutrition values may vary based on the exact ingredients you use and the portion size. This salad is a nutritious choice, particularly if you use the optional ingredients like nuts and cheese in moderation. Enjoy it as a part of a balanced and healthy diet. π₯ππ―π