May 20, 2013
(last updated October 24, 2020) 
Last week, I showed you a slew of recipes featuring strawberries and greens, because the folks at Relay Foods had given me a chance to sample their local Bounty Box (similar to a CSA box). It was brimming with leafy greens and tender plump strawberries (finally, tis the season). The greens lasted me quite a few days, and many salads over the course of them. Today, I’ll show you the last salad I made with these ingredients: a simple asparagus and strawberry salad with balsamic vinegar and basil.
Strawberries and balsamic are a classic flavor combination. I’ll never forget the first time I tasted the two together, expecting something terrible; I was delighted at how delicious the marriage was! I often pair balsamic vinegar with fruit in salads (it’s also great with peaches, raspberries, and even watermelon), so I knew I’d be happy with this combination of ingredients. Needless to say, it was a hit, and it was also quick and easy to make.
Asparagus and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic and Basil
Author -Ingredients
- 5 large stalks asparagus cut into 2 inch pieces
- 1 cup halved or quartered fresh strawberries
- 6 cups fresh greens mesclun, baby spinach, romaine, mache -- all of these will be just fine
- 1/4 cup tightly packed fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 tabelspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp agave or maple syrup
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a small pot of water to boil. Add the asparagus and blanch for 1-2 minutes, till the stalks are still crunchy, but bright green and just tender enough to be palatable to you.
- Slice the basil into thin ribbons and, in a large bowl, combine the greens, asparagus, basil, and strawberries.
- Whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, syrup, and salt/pepper. Toss with the greens. Serve.
- Makes 2 appetizer sized or 1 sizable salad.
If you’re eating this on its own and would like it to be more meal sized, you could toss in some cooked quinoa or roasted chickpeas–both would be lovely here!
This crispy, sweet, and savory bowl is a perfect celebration of the season. I hope you enjoy it soon.
xo
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What a great combination! I have used a similar dressing over asparagus salad before but I’m SO glad to have the idea to add fruit to it! I’m always a fan of adding fruit to salads, it really adds such a nice sweet pop and texture next to crunchy leafy greens. As always, you rock 🙂
Wow! I love asparagus but I never tried this kind of salad combined with strawberries. It looks very appetizing and delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe! 😀
I love how seasonal this salad is! I’d love to try it with some snow peas thrown in, too. Thanks for the idea!
Looks delicious, Gena. Edamame pairs really well with this salad, too. 🙂
Oooh, edamame. Great idea!
i also thought the combo of balsamic/fruit would be terrible but i’ve really taken to chopping up fruit and putting tahini and balsamic on it. i love the sweet/savory combos!
Great combination of flavors, that one asparagus stalk looks huge by the way haha. Thanks Gena!
Oh wow, this looks incredible! So excited for strawberries… I love the warm feel to this salad without losing the crunch. I’m finally going grocery shopping after a long weekend at the Blend Retreat, definitely picking up ingredients for this!
This looks lovely! I think I’ll try it this weekend with some purple asparagus I purchased at the market. I love the idea of marrying asparagus and strawberries in a salad–it’s a wonderful way to celebrate Spring!
I love it! Never had strawberries with basil or balsamic vinegar until last weekend, and now it’s my favorite flavor combination. Can’t wait to make this!
Oh how wonderful! I’ve only ever used the balsamic-macerated strawberry trick for desserts. Trust you to turn it into a glorious red-green-Christmas-colours salad!
I use those exact ingredients when I make a balsamic vinaigrette too! (Though I usually just eyeball the amounts.) That simple list of ingredients makes the perfect dressing. The colors of this salad are so pretty! Nothing says summer like beautiful green salads and fresh fruit. Love it.