You'll love this easy blanched asparagus recipe, topped with a simple and bright Mediterranean-style tomato salsa with fresh herbs and citrus. You can serve this asparagus recipe at room temperature as a side or chilled as an appetizer or salad. Be sure to check out my tips and video below.
I'm a big fan of asparagus. It's filled with nutrition including fiber, folate, and vitamins C and K. And it's one ingredient that is versitale and makes a beautiful statement no matter how you prepare it--roasted, grilled, sauteed, or even blanched!
Personally, I've used it in a tasty roasted asparagus salad, and I've also sauteed it as part of a breakfast potato hash! And, I love adding it to something like Pasta Primavera. And even as I type, I'm thinking of making an asparagus soup soon!
Today's easy asparagus recipe features blanched asparagus spears topped with a Mediterranean-style salsa (a variation of this homemade salsa). It's a fun dish to make ahead because you can serve it chilled or at room temperature. And you'll love the fresh and bright flavors!
Because asparagus is basically the star of the show here, let's discuss just a few tips for how to select the best asparagus.
What to look for when buying asparagus?
Asparagus is fairly available year-round, but the best time to buy it is between February and June when it's in season. You'll find thin asparagus and some larger asparagus with thicker spears (these are cheaper and just as good as long as you trim the tough ends). Here's what you should look for when buying asparagus:
- Long stems should be bright green in color and should feel nice and firm
- The flowery-looking tips should be closed
- Asparagus skin should be smooth
- When you squeeze an asparagus bunch, it should give you a bit of a squeaky or rubbery sound
I like to use asparagus within a day or so of buying it. To store it, I simply place the asparagus upright (stem side down) in a mason jar with a bit of water and cover with loosely with a plastic bag before refrigerating. It stays nice and fresh that way.
Even though today's recipe calls for blanched asparagus (or boiled asparagus), you can also cook the asparagus a different way, if you like.
Three ways to cook asparagus
Regardless of which way you choose to cook your asparagus, be sure to first clean the asparagus by washing it well then trim the tough stalks.
- Roasted Asparagus: you will simply coat the asparagus with extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt and pepper, then place it on a sheet pan and roast in a high-heated oven (about 400 degrees F) for about 10 minutes or so. Give the pan a shake occasionally for even roasting.
- Sauteed Asparagus: when sauteing, I like to cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces. From there, saute the spears over high heat in a pan with a bit of oil until lightly browned and tender (about 3 to 5 minutes). Season with kosher salt and pepper.
- Boiled Asparagus or Blanched Asparagus: this is one of the most basic and easiest ways to cook asparagus and the method I prefer for this asparagus recipe because it produces beautiful bright green spears that are nice and succulent and make the perfect bed for my Mediterranean-style homemade salsa. Basically you cook the asparagus in boiling water briefly, then finish it in an ice bath for a quick minute.
How to Blanch Asparagus?
- Trim the asparagus. Wash the asparagus, then trim the tough, woody ends either by using a knife to cut them or simply snap the end off (you want to end up with the top ¾ of tender spear).
- Cook in Boiling water. Boil about 8 cups of water in a large pot and season with about 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Drop the asparagus in and cook for about 3 to 4 minute or so.
Shock the boiled asparagus in an ice bath. Have a bowl of ice water ready next to the cooking pot. As soon as the asparagus is ready, quickly transfer it to the bowl of ice water (I use my tongs to do this) and leave it for 1 minute. If you're wondering how to keep asparagus green when cooking, ice bath is your answer. This ice bath method is used often with green ingredients (I use it when I make this Greek green bean salad, for example) to stop the cooking process, and that's what preserve that bright green color.
The Salsa
Asparagus can be seasoned or jazzed up many different ways. In this asparagus recipe, I decided to top it with a fun Mediterranean-style salsa, and let me tell you, it is far more than a garnish here!
Sweet cherry tomatoes with shallots and fresh herbs like parsley and mint (or basil). Loads of flavor!
This easy asparagus recipe is truly the sum of its parts, so it is just as important to grab the best quality tomatoes and herbs you can find. And topping all that is excellent quality extra virgin olive oil.
What goes well with asparagus?
I'd be happy to have this asparagus for lunch with nothing else at all! But it can make a great side next to some fish or your favorite meat. Here are a few options:
- Lemon Garlic Salmon or Honey Mustard Salmon
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs or Lemon Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Lamb chops
Craving more bright salads and sides? Try Stuffed Zucchini Boats, Mediterranean Watermelon Salad Or Tomato Panzanella Salad
You may also enjoy 50+ Top Mediterranean diet recipes. For all recipes, visit us here. JOIN MY FREE E-MAIL LIST HERE.
Blanched Asparagus Recipe with Mediterranean Salsa
Equipment
- Cooking Pot
- Large bowl
Ingredients
For the Mediterranean Salsa
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes chopped or halved (place in a small sieve over a bowl to drain a little)
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove finely chopped
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves or basil chiffonade, if you prefer
- Salt and pepper more for later
- ½ teaspoon sumac
- 2 to 3 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil more for later
For Asparagus
- 1 ½ lb Asparagus tough ends trimmed (preferably baby asparagus if available)
- Water
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Make the Mediterranean salsa. In a mixing bowl, add the tomatoes, shallots, garlic and herbs. Season with salt, pepper, and sumac. Add lemon juice and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Mix and set aside so flavors will meld nicely (or, if you prefer, cover and chill until ready to serve).
- In a cooking pot or large saucepan, bring 8 cups of water, seasoned with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt, to a boil. Have a large bowl of ice water ready next to it (this is an ice bath for the blanched asparagus).
- When water comes to a rolling boil, add the prepared asparagus. Boil until tender, 3 to 4 minutes (depending on thickness). Remove with tongs, or drain in a colander, and immediately transfer to the bowl of ice water for 1 minute to stop the cooking process. Drain; set aside to cool down a bit (or if you prefer to serve it as a salad, chill in the fridge for a bit).
- When ready to serve, arrange the asparagus on a serving platter. Season with salt and pepper. Add a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil and lemon zest. Top with the Mediterranean salsa. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Prepare ahead Instructions: you can serve this at room temperature or chilled. If you plan to prepare ahead and chill, you can do so a few hours or one night in advance. Store the Mediterranean salsa and asparagus separately in the fridge, in tight-lid containers until ready to serve.
- Recommended for this Recipe: Early Harvest or Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil; and from our spice collection, Sumac.
- Visit our Online Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils, all-natural and organic spices and more.
Nutrition
- This post has been recently updated with new information and media for readers' benefit. Enjoy!
Sue says
Made this today and it's so colorful and healthy. I never blanched asparagus before and the 4 minute timing and ice bath was perfect. I'm 72 and trying to eat healthier because of heart problems, so thank you for this delicious recipe.
Suzy says
Good for you, Sue! Many well wishes on your healthy eating journey!
Dixie says
I made this tonight and it turned off perfect and delicious. Now to find more recipes with my leftover herbs.
elisabeth says
This recipe helped me enjoy eating asparagus...they're not one of my favorite veggies, but the salsa made all the difference.
Suzy says
Awesome! Thanks for giving it a try!
NF says
yum
Lisa says
That looks delicious!
Suzy says
Thanks, Lisa!
Allison Mann says
This caught my eye on instagram too and I had enough of the ingredients to give it a go. I was only short the mint and it was great without it thankfully tons of other crisp flavors. I used your idea of sautéing cut up asparagus and why the heck haven't I tried doing this before?? Brilliant! I served this along side shrimp and grilled mixed veggies. Perfect, will definitely make this again, so easy-quick-delicious! Thanks!
Suzy says
Sounds like a wonderful dinner! Thanks for sharing, Allison!
Allison says
I appreciate your weekly email menu ideas planner, thanks for these too!
Suzy says
So glad, Allison! Thank you.
Donna Cunningham says
This was so delicious. easy to make also. I love all of her recipes. I think I. make her recipes at least 2-3 days a week. Delicious!!!! Tonight I am making the stuffed peppers which I love also. Thanks Suzy for your great recipes.
Suzy says
My pleasure, Donna! So glad you're finding lots of good stuff here :).
Cindy Simon says
Saw this on your instagram feed yesterday and made it for dinner next to the Greek baked cod! Literally the BEST!
Suzy says
Yay! so glad to hear it, Cindy! Thanks
Gary McGuire says
Just made this tonight as a side dish with grilled salmon and it was a home run. Great accompaniment and complimentary flavors to salmon. Will definitely make this again.
Suzy Karadsheh says
Glad you enjoyed!
T Roman says
In the recipe you mentioned Zest of 1 lemon, when do you use it.
Suzy Karadsheh says
Just sprinkled on top of the cooked asparagus. Thanks for catching that.
Milena Ciambrone says
Thank you so much, I have a home run dinner, I will make again an again.
Suzy Karadsheh says
Milena, thank you! I'm so glad to hear this.
Jennifer Blake says
Beautiful color contrast between the asparagus and the salsa!
Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox says
That looks so fresh and simple!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Thanks, Kellie! It really is!
Carolyn says
I am not a huge asparagus fan but I think i might like this!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Yay! Thanks for giving it a chance!
Jennifer Farley says
This looks so fresh and tasty!
Liz says
I have a couple of asparagus recipes I make over and over in the spring. I'm happy to have your fabulous Mediterranean salsa for a change of pace!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Yay! Thanks, Liz. Hope you give it a try!
Roxanne McLone says
Hi Suzy,
In the Mediterranean salsa you have a 1/4 of mint leaves. Is that tsp., TBsp. Or cup.
Thanks,
Roxanne
Suzy Karadsheh says
oops, so sorry Roxanne! Thanks for catching that! 1/4 cup.