Warm Asparagus Spinach Salad

Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and nutritious Warm Asparagus Spinach Salad! This quick and easy recipe combines tender-crisp asparagus, sautéed cherry tomatoes, and just-wilted spinach in a warm medley of color and flavor. A zesty, homemade lemon-Dijon vinaigrette ties the dish together beautifully, balancing the earthy greens with a tangy-sweet finish. Optional garnishes like grated Parmesan and slivered almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty richness, making this salad an elegant choice for any meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, this wholesome dish is perfect as a light main course or an impressive side that’s bursting with seasonal freshness.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb asparagus spears
• 6 cups baby spinach
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• 0.25 cup slivered almonds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Wash and trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches long.

Step 2

Rinse and dry the baby spinach thoroughly. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the heated skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 6

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften and begin to burst.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to create the vinaigrette.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and add the baby spinach to the skillet, tossing gently for 1-2 minutes until just wilted.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the warm salad. Toss gently to combine.

Step 10

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with optional toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese and slivered almonds, if desired.

Step 11

Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this warm salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(963.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	991.2

Total Fat 74.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 35.7mg	0%
Sodium 2348.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 46.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.9g	0%
Total Sugars 16.9g
Protein 45.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1041.9mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 1562.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.4%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 18.1%