Lemony Asparagus and Spring Pea Salad with Roasted Almonds

Photo Credit
Sam Jones/Quinn Brein
The Editors
Yield
6 servings
Category
Salads
Vegetables
Course
Salads
Side Dishes
Preparation Method
Boil
Other
Sources
Yankee Magazine

Our “Lemony Asparagus and Spring Pea Salad with Roasted Almonds” shows off the best of early spring vegetables. It has a wonderful variety of flavors and textures to give your taste buds a treat. 

Simple, elegant, and delicious—you’ll be craving this taste of spring all year long!

Ingredients
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 cup shallots, minced
1/3 cup whole almonds
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 pound asparagus, washed and tough bottom ends trimmed and discarded
3/4 cup shelled fresh peas
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
3 sprigs fresh mint, leaves removed and saved
Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground white pepper
Garnish: 4 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler
Instructions
  1. In a medium skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add shallots and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Scrape shallots and oil from the pan into a small bowl and set aside. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil to same pan over medium heat. Once oil is shimmering, add almonds and toast 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly browned. Add almonds to the shallot mixture. Stir in lemon juice and set aside.
  2. Prepare an ice-water bath and set aside. In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and return water to a boil; cook 5 minutes. Remove asparagus with tongs (reserving water in pan) and place in ice-water bath. Return reserved water to a boil and blanch peas 3 minutes or until soft. Drain in a colander and refresh under cold running water. Add peas to the almond mixture. Drain asparagus in a colander and pat dry with a paper towel.
  3. Arrange asparagus spears on a serving platter with tips all facing the same direction. Add lemon zest and mint leaves to the almond and pea mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Liberally spoon over asparagus and garnish with cheese shavings.

 

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The Old Farmer's Editors

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Comments

Anne (not verified)

2 years 7 months ago

Asparagus is best when very fresh from the Garden~

8 years 8 months ago

Peel the asparagus as you would a carrot.

Terry Mitchell (not verified)

8 years 8 months ago

I've made this with a Few Minor Changes for My Tastes. It's Great and SO Good for You, I'm talking Really Good! Cleanses Your System and the Vitamins it provides Naturally are Needed By ALL.