Shaved Asparagus Lemon Parmesan (Printer-Friendly)

Tender asparagus ribbons, lemon zest, and Parmesan combine for a zesty, refreshing spring dining experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 pound fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
02 - 2 cups arugula or baby spinach (optional)

→ Dressing

03 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
05 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Cheese & Garnish

08 - 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus stalks lengthwise into thin ribbons. Discard any tough ends.
02 - Place the shaved asparagus and arugula or baby spinach, if using, in a large salad bowl.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
04 - Pour the dressing over the asparagus mixture. Toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
05 - Arrange salad on a serving platter. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts if desired.
06 - Serve at once for maximum freshness and flavor.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • This salad feels like spring on a plate, and the lemon zest wakes up your palate with every bite.
  • You barely need to cook - it's ready in fifteen minutes and instantly makes any meal feel special.
02 -
  • Rushing the shaving can result in uneven ribbons that look messy and clump up when tossed.
  • One time, skipping the lemon zest made the salad taste flat; now I always use both zest and juice for brightness.
03 -
  • Let the salad sit for two minutes after dressing - this helps the flavors blend without losing crunch.
  • Toast pine nuts right before serving to keep their aroma vivid and add warmth.
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