| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 120 | 7g | 1g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 3g | 0.35g |
The sound of the sizzling pan, the hum in the air as my family gathers, and the mouthwatering sight of the Asparagus Beans Salad with Dijon Mustard Dressing transport me back to my Italian grandparents’ kitchen. This hearty recipe, much like my family’s beloved spaghetti and meatballs, tells a story of love, history, and culinary tradition. I’m excited to bring a piece of my heritage to your table with this delicious recipe that elegantly entwines healthful ingredients with intriguing flavors.
Nourishment in Every Bite
This Asparagus Beans Salad with Dijon Mustard Dressing does more than just delight your tastebuds. Each ingredient has been chosen with your health in mind. The star of the show, fresh asparagus beans, are a powerful source of vitamins A, C, and K, and fiber. Paired with antioxidant-rich cherry tomatoes and the pungency of raw red onion also high in beneficial antioxidants, this dish is a nourishing rainbow of flavors.
An Amalgamation of Cultures
Italian-American cuisine is defined by its ability to fuse flavors in a comforting harmony, and this dish is no exception. It borrows the vibrant, fresh vegetables often found in a traditional Italian insalata, the robust and bold dressing reminiscent of a French vinaigrette, and integrates them into a dish that works whether as a standalone light lunch or as an accompaniment to a heartier dinner option, like a well-marinated steak or a roasted chicken.
I’m a firm believer that food should never be just about fuel. It should nurture the body, yes, but also the spirit — and this salad, with its rich flavors and vibrant colors, accomplishes just that. As a grandfather, I think often about the legacy I’m leaving, and part of that is the love for food and the power of shared meals. This recipe reminds me of the trekking trails I venture into; it’s refreshing, rejuvenating, and full of surprises.
I hope this recipe finds a place in your kitchen and your heart as it did in mine. Buon appetito!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds fresh asparagus beans
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the vegetables. Clean the asparagus beans and remove the ends. Cut them into approximately 2-inch pieces. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
Step Two
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the asparagus beans and cook them until they become tender yet crisp. This typically takes about 5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the beans and run cold water over them to stop the cooking process.
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine the cooked asparagus beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
Step Four
Now, it’s time to create the Dijon mustard dressing. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient according to your personal taste. Don’t forget to season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step Five
Pour the Dijon mustard dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl. Mix everything until the vegetables are well coated in dressing.
Step Six
Before serving, add the chopped fresh parsley and give the salad another quick mix. Optionally, you can leave the salad in the fridge for an hour or two before serving it. This allows the flavors to blend together more.
Step Seven
Your Asparagus Beans Salad with Dijon Mustard Dressing is ready! Serve it as a fresh, flavorful side dish at your next meal.
