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

Print Save

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.

    Pin It

11 Responses to “Fire Roasted Ketchup”

  1. #
    1
    Amanda — June 9, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    wow! looks yummy to me. 🙂Service Express

  2. #
    2
    Sunshine — June 9, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    So at first I was concerned that it had corn in it. Then I saw that those little yellowy looking things were garlic. Now I’m sold! I’ll be making this for my best friend’s surprise birthday party BBQ. Thanks so much!

  3. #
    3
    ErinsFoodFiles — June 9, 2010 at 2:20 pm

    Looks awesome!

  4. #
    4
    Mandy — June 9, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    That looks YUMMY! I am totally making this!

  5. #
    5
    Elina — June 9, 2010 at 8:35 pm

    This looks more like a cooked salsa. I bet it’s delicious 🙂

  6. #
    6
    Fun and Fearless in Beantown — June 9, 2010 at 9:06 pm

    This looks really fresh and easy to make! Thanks for sharing!

  7. #
    7
    bcallegra — June 10, 2010 at 2:41 am

    This is going to be a funny comment coming from me, for those who know me well. This recipe looks great, and I’m a person that hates regular ketchup! As one of the other commenters mentioned, this looks more like a salsa topping which is what I’m hoping for. Also, funny that you mentioned grills since we just purchased our first grill – perfect opportunity to try this recipe!

  8. #
    8
    Ma What's 4 dinner — June 10, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  9. #
    9
    Ma What's 4 dinner — June 10, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    This looks soooooo yummy. I’m always looking for something new to spread on burgers, it is grilling season after all, well not today, but still.

    Lots of yummy love,
    Alex aka Ma, What’s For Dinner
    http://www.mawhats4dinner.com

  10. #
    10
    giz — June 10, 2010 at 7:08 pm

    Thanks for visiting our blog. I like your version of bacon wrapped dates – have to try that too. Also love easy condiment making – looks fabulous

  11. #
    11
    Jennifer Sikora — June 14, 2010 at 5:36 pm

    I just found your blog! OH my gosh!! You have the best looking recipes!

    I am trying this ketchup out!

    Come visit me and view my recipes at http://www.jennifersikora.com

Leave a Comment