This Asparagus and Tomato Salad is easy to make with steamed asparagus, grape tomatoes, creamy feta, fresh herbs and a light dressing. The tarragon gives it a welcome hint of licorice that makes this salad unique and unlike any asparagus dish you've ever had. It can be eaten cold, warm or hot.
Asparagus is popular in the spring, especially around Easter, and in the summer, as well. It's peak season is April but you'll find it at farmer's markets from February well into June. This is a great vegetable side dish that pairs perfectly with my Easter Picnic Ham, Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes and Easter Swiss Roll. If you are looking for unique asparagus recipes, you'll love this easy summer salad! It's a tasty side dish for any holiday meal, special occasion, date night or dinner party!
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🥘Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients for this asparagus and tomato salad recipe:
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tsp dried tarragon (use 1 tablespoon if using fresh)
- 2 lbs asparagus, trimmed - 2 bunches
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved (551 ml)
- ¾ cup feta cheese crumbled
🔪Instructions
Snap off the woody ends of asparagus where they naturally break when you bend them (see Video) or cut them off with a knife.
Boil water in a large pot or saucepan with steamer then reduce to simmer, add asparagus, cover with lid and steam asparagus until tender (about 8-15 minutes) *This will depend on your preference (how you like it cooked). I steamed mine for 13 minutes
SEE VIDEO (below): How to cook asparagus (with and witout a steamer)
Use tongs to remove asparagus
In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, oil, red wine, dijon mustard, salt and pepper together.
Cover and set aside until ready to use.
Arrange cooked asparagus tomatoes on a large platter.
Sprinkle with feta cheese, green onion, and parsley.
Drizzle with ½ the dressing and serve the remainder on the side *Can be served warm, room temperature or chilled.
🎥 Video
VIDEO: How to cook asparagus (grilling steaming and microwave)
📖Variations & Substitutions
- Tomatoes- you could use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes
- Asparagus -you could use grilled or oven-roasted asparagus instead of steamed
- Tarragon- fresh tarragon is ideal, but you can use dried (as I did) I could not find fresh tarragon where I live this time of year
- Feta cheese - you can use regular, light or fat-free feta or use goat cheese
- Add-ins- you could also sprinkle on a little parmesan cheese and/or add red onions
🥗 Pairing
These recipes pair well with the asparagus tomato salad recipe:
🍽Equipment
You will need a sharp knife, tongs, a cutting board, and large pot with a steamer for this simple side dish. If you don't have a steamer, you can steam your asparagus in the microwave. *See recipe card for recommended equipment links and photos
🌡️Storage
Store this asparagus and tomato salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
It does not stand up well to freezing.
👪 Serving Size
This asparagus and tomato recipe makes 8 servings. However, you can half, double or triple the recipe by clicking on the serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust.
🔢WW Points
This asparagus salad recipe is Weight Watchers friendly @ 3 WW points with the dressing, using light feta cheese. You can reduce the points by using less dressing and fat-free feta cheese. This is also ideal for anyone following a low-carb diet.
💭Top tip
When selecting fresh asparagus at the grocery store you want to avoid stalks that seem wilted or appear limp. The tips of asparagus should be closed and the color should be a rich green, gradually fading to nearly white at the bottom of the stalk. If it appears dull, avoid it - this means it's past its prime freshness.
🦺Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
- Never leave cooking food unattended
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
❔ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can steam asparagus in the microwave, if you don't have a steamer. SEE VIDEO (above)
⭐ COMMENTS & REVIEWS
Did you know that commenting and rating recipes is one of the best ways to support your favorite recipe creators? If you loved this recipe, please comment and rate it in the recipe card or share photos on social media using the hashtag #foodmeanderings or tagging @foodmeanderings !
If you're looking for healthy recipes and an easy side dish that screams 'SPRING' give this one a try!
And if you're interested in more spring and summer salad recipes, check out my Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad!
📋 Steamed Asparagus and Tomato Salad (with feta) recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon *use 1 tablespoon if using fresh
- 2 lbs asparagus, trimmed - 2 bunches
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 pint grape tomatoes cut in half
- ¾ cup feta cheese crumbled * I use light
Instructions
- Snap off the woody ends of asparagus where they naturally break when you bend them (see Video) or cut them off with a knife.
- Boil water, then reduce to simmer, add asparagus, cover pot and steam asparagus until tender (about 8-15 minutes) *This will depend on your preference (how you like it cooked). I steamed mine for 13 minutes*the time will depend on how you like it cooked - I steamed mine for 13 minutes. Just keep checking it until it's cooked to your liking
- In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, oil, red wine, Dijon mustard, tarragon, salt and pepper together.
- Arrange asparagus tomatoes on a large platter
- Add feta, green onion and parsley.
- Drizzle with ½ the dressing and serve with remaining salad dressing. Can be served warm, room temperature or cold. *I prefer to eat this as a cold asparagus salad
Terri Gilson
This Asparagus and Tomato Salad is such a simple combination, but the flavors are incredible. The creamy feta and fresh herbs complement the asparagus perfectly, and the tarragon adds this unexpected hint of licorice that really makes it special.
I love how versatile it is - you can enjoy it cold, warm, or hot. It's become my go-to side dish for spring meals, and the best part is how quick and easy it is to throw together!