Lemon, Pepper, and Asparagus Salad

Spring has finally sprung here in Cincinnati. And with the addition of a shiney new grill to our family, we’ve been opting for easy-peasey meals which include grilled meat and a pile of fresh vegetables. For maximum ease of meal prepping, we just grill the veggies, but sometimes I like to prepare them in other ways.

Lemon Pepper Asparagus Salad

Lemon, pepper, and asparagus salad is one of those ways. This salad really highlights the fresh in-season asparagus. Since it cooked for a few minutes on the stovetop, it keeps a nice crunch and vibrant color.

The lemon juice and freshly ground pepper just enhance those flavors. I threw in some heirloom cherry tomatoes to add some color and texture to the dish. You could make it with or without the tomatoes.

Lemon Pepper Asparagus Salad

One note about fresh tomatoes. I ALWAYS season them with coursely ground sea salt and freshly ground pepper. No matter what I’m doing with them, they always get seasoned. And don’t be afraid to use some salt on tomatoes. I remember watching an episode of Barefoot Contessa years ago where she talked about how the flavor of a tomato can really be enhanced by some salt, and how it’s hard to over-salt a tomato. I took those words to heart and firmly agree with her.

One Year Ago: Marbled Chocolate Chip Bundt and Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Two Years Ago: Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken and Carrot Cake and Cheesecake Cake
Three Years Ago: Spring M&M Pretzel Treats and Vanilla Buttercream
Four Years Ago: Fauxstess Cupcakes and Spinach Pasta with Chicken Sausage, Mushrooms, Goat Cheese and Tomato

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Lemon Pepper Asparagus Salad

Yield: Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 bunch asparagus (rinsed)
zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
bowl of ice water (for blanching)

Directions:

Chop the asparagus into small pieces.

Put the asparagus and a splash of water in a pot on the stove top. Cover with a lid and cook on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until asparagus turn bright green. Turn off the heat and transfer the asparagus to the ice bath.

Allow to sit in the ice water for a couple of minutes. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.

Add the oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and tomatoes and stir well. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.

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11 Responses to “Lime Cilantro Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans”

  1. #
    1
    Lauren — November 5, 2010 at 11:54 am

    This dish sounds great! I love sweet potatoes and black beans together, and the cilantro and lime sound like the perfect flavor additions.

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    2
    Fun and Fearless in Beantown — November 5, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    My fiance isn’t the biggest fan of beans so I try to “sneak” them into dishes and this looks a great recipe to try out!

  3. #
    3
    Eliana — November 5, 2010 at 6:16 pm

    I absolutely adore sweet potatoes but wud have never thought of flavoring them with cilantro and lime. This sounds like it would turn out super delicious.

  4. #
    4
    Kerstin — November 6, 2010 at 5:42 pm

    We always have black beans in the house too and they are just perfect with sweet potatoes too – yum!

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    5
    becksterslaboratory — November 7, 2010 at 12:37 am

    Oh dear, I never thought of pairing these 4 fave flavors together. Amazing : )

  6. #
    6
    Nutmeg Nanny — November 7, 2010 at 6:01 pm

    Yum! I love black beans and I also love that they are super good for you. I think this would be an awesome quick weeknight dinner!

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    7
    tobias cooks! — November 8, 2010 at 5:48 pm

    perfect combo of tastes. I would love to try this one.

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    8
    Boston Food Diary — November 9, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    Mmmm what a refreshing twist on sweet potatoes! These sound hearty and delicious!

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    9
    Carrie — November 11, 2010 at 7:01 pm

    What a great recipe and beautiful photo. Black beans and sweet potatoes (and cilantro, for that matter!) are a couple of my favorite foods, so I know that I’d love this!

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    10
    lacasitainspirada — November 14, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    Yum! I love black beans in salads. This sounds great!
    And great pictures, too!

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    11
    robinakagoatmom — February 28, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    Made a half recipe and loved it hot or cold! Took to a work pot luck and a hit with everyone. Thanks for another great recipe.

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