Doesn’t the mere sound of it conjure up delightful notions? Asparagus Ribbons. Say it again.
Nice.
Nothing says spring quite like asparagus. Those green stalks are a sure sign that fresh food is on the way! But get yourself to the market quickly, because this veggie is only in season for a very short time.
Did you know you can eat asparagus raw? It’s a wonderful way to enjoy this seasonal vegetable, as asparagus will retain many of the vitamins and minerals that would otherwise be lost in the cooking process. The flavor of raw asparagus is slightly earthier than when it’s cooked, and the texture is crisp and fresh.
A great way to enjoy raw asparagus is in this Asparagus Ribbon Salad. First, the asparagus stalks are shaved into very thin strips that become almost pastalike in their texture. And the marinade I created helps break down some of the starches in the stalks, making the asparagus soft and almost creamy.
Asparagus: the Awesome Stalk
Asparagus is a powerhouse vegetable, another reason why eating it raw is such a good idea! Its high amounts of vitamin C, carotene, and selenium protect against cancer. Asparagus also contains high amounts of histones, folic acid, and nucleic acid, all of which stimulate the immune system.
Other incredible benefits of asparagus, eaten cooked or raw, are the “prebiotic” properties that its special fibers possess. Inulin is a unique type of carbohydrate that doesn’t break down in the first part of our digestive tract, so it can travel all the way to the large intestine where it provides food for certain types of friendly bacteria. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria supporting probiotic life (associated with better nutrient absorption and lower risks of allergies and colon cancer). You may notice that some probiotic supplements actually contain prebiotics to enhance their function, but eating a serving of asparagus is a whole food-based way of obtaining these special fibers.
Asparagus Ribbon Salad
Serves 2-3
Ingredients:
1 bunch fresh asparagus, rinsed, stems and tips removed
2 cups arugula
¼ cup hazelnuts, roasted and roughly chopped
Pecorino Romano, for serving (optional)
Dressing:
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp liquid honey
1 shallot, minced
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
1. Using a vegetable peeler, start from the top of the spear, and gently shave downward, to create a thin ribbon. Continue until you only have a small piece of the spear left, then run a small paring knife down the middle to separate. Slice all of the tips in half, lengthwise. (Don’t worry about being perfect; it’s meant to be rustic!) Transfer the asparagus ribbons in a large bowl and set aside.
2. Combine dressing ingredients in a jar covered with a tight-fitting lid and shake to combine. Taste to adjust seasoning. Toss asparagus with the dressing until fully coated. Let marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Toss the marinated asparagus with the arugula (it will still take on some of the dressing).
4. Sprinkle the asparagus-arugula mixture with the hazelnuts and many grinds of fresh black pepper (it really adds a lot to this dish!). Top with a few shavings of Pecorino Romano, if using. Serve.
This was so delicious. The pepper really brought everything together. Thank you for this recipe!
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I have reviewed most if not all of the recipes-can hardly wait to try-you just don’t say how many does each salad feed?
i am sold! i used the spinach i had on hand instead of arugula … and my husband gushed that this was one of the best dishes i’ve made.
also, just have to share: i took a photo of this, which won my CSA’s weekly photo contest and $15 in local food… so it’s like the yummy recipe that just keeps giving! thanks again.
Love the photos! I’ve never seen asparagus in the ground before. And I’ve never eaten it raw either. I love them best blanched just for a minute or two, but I will try the raw route for this recipe. Thank you!
This was my first official recipe that I have tried from your blog! [Though I have been a fan for some time, now] Absolutely incredible! All of the flavors compliment each other so well! Thank you so much for sharing your culinary genius 🙂
You’ve almost turned me veggie. Great photos, great food, great philosophy.
I gave you a huge shout out on my blog today. You are, quite frankly, fantastic.
Thank you for making veggies cool.
&hearts
http://mootifullife.blogspot.com/2011/05/green-things.html
beautiful Sarah, especially love the asparagus in the ground shots, you dont see that often. Beautiful 🙂
I just made this for breakfast and threw some poached eggs and goat cheese on top. It was AMAZING. I actually liked the flavour of the raw ribboned asparagus MORE than when it’s cooked. WOW!! Thanks
This looks so lovely and makes such an interesting, unique salad. I did an open face sandwich with asparagus ribbons recently and I loved the way the asparagus takes on a whole new taste sensation when prepared this way! Isn’t it great that there is always something fun and new to do with the same ageless ingredients that our grandparents and great grandparents used on a daily basis? Thanks for such a classy idea!
Just came across your blog… so inspiring! Truly gorgeous photography and recipes. Can’t wait to try these recipes!
I must try this. I love asparagus, hazelnuts and arugula! I’ve signed up for your email updates, and I’m looking forward to more awesome recipes!
Yum that sounds so tasty! Shaved veggies just screams spring too! I can’t wait.
looks so delicious.
that is such a beautiful photo! we love asparagus, will try this salad soon
love how you put shaved asparagus in this salad! i always chop them, but this makes it look so much more schamancy and palatable. 🙂
I can’t believe I just discovered this blog! It’s wonderful! Over the past couple of days, I’ve familiarized myself with pretty much all of your archives, so I’m ready to be quizzed 🙂
Oh yeah, and the salad looks fab. Gotta try this shaved asparagus thing!
Amazing photos! I’ve waited all spring for asaragus season and I cait wait to try this recipe. You are a true inspiration. 🙂
Is it weird that I had NO IDEA asparagus grew like that? How cool. Wow, I really should have known that. I don’t know what I was expecting.
I can’t wait to shave up some asparagus and eat it. I love how gorgeous it is, too!
This looks unbelievably tasty! Great lighting in the photos.