Oriental Asparagus Salad

Bright, fresh, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Oriental Asparagus Salad is the perfect combination of crisp vegetables and a tangy soy-based dressing. Tender asparagus, julienned red bell pepper, and carrot come together with the delicate crunch of toasted sesame seeds and aromatic green onions for a salad that's as visually stunning as it is delicious. The dressing, made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, fresh ginger, and a hint of garlic, delivers classic Asian-inspired flavors while remaining light and refreshing. With quick blanching and minimal prep time, this healthy side dish is ready in just 20 minutes and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, rice dishes, or even as a standalone appetizer. Whether served immediately or slightly chilled, this asparagus salad is guaranteed to impress at your next gathering!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:3 mins

Total Time:18 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 450 g asparagus
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1 medium carrot
• 3 stalks green onions (scallions)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic
• 0.25 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water.

Step 3

Blanch the asparagus in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until just tender but still bright green.

Step 4

Immediately transfer the asparagus to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes, then drain and pat dry with a kitchen towel.

Step 5

Julienne the red bell pepper and carrot into thin strips. Finely slice the green onions (scallions).

Step 6

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and red chili flakes (if using).

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the asparagus, red bell pepper, carrot, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.

Step 9

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 10

Transfer the salad to a serving dish, garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	765.2 grams (765.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	431

Total Fat 25.20g	32%
Saturated Fat 3.80g	19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1788mg	78%
Total Carbohydrate 42.30g	15%
Dietary Fiber 16.60g	59%
Total Sugars 21.20g
Protein 19.80g	40%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 175mg	13%
Iron 12mg	69%
Potassium 1601mg	34%

*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: 47.7%

Protein: 16.7%

Carbs: 35.6%