Asparagus & Strawberry Salad with Red Berry Dressing aka. Spring on a Plate

Asparagus & Strawberry Salad with Red Berry Dressing

Serves 4–6 as a side

Now I’m not usually one to do fruit in something savoury — it’s just not how my taste buds work. But there are a few exceptions: pineapple on pizza (don’t come at me), apple in a slaw, and strawberries in this particular salad. Somehow, this one just hits the mark.

It’s fresh, bright, and so simple that once you’ve got everything on the bench, you can toss it together in moments. Perfect for summer lunches, Christmas tables, or when asparagus and strawberries are both looking good at the market.

So, Asparagus & Strawberry Salad - are you ready to dive in?

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Ingredients

Salad

• 1 punnet strawberries – sliced or chopped

• 1 bunch of asparagus – chopped into bite-sized pieces and lightly steamed

• 250g rocket, or any leafy greens you like

• ½ cup broad beans, shelled

• 150g soft cheese – goat’s cheese, blue cheese, or brie works well

• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or almonds

• 1 cup soft herb leaves – basil, mint, or parsley (or a mix)

Red Berry Dressing

• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 Tbsp liquid honey

• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar

• ½ cup red berries – raspberries, strawberries, or red currants (fresh or thawed)

• ½–⅔ cup olive oil

• Salt and pepper

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Method

1. Prep your greens

Get everything ready before you start – this salad comes together fast. In a large bowl, toss your leafy greens and herbs with a light drizzle of olive oil (no more than a tablespoon) and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. Build your layers

On a big platter, scatter a few asparagus pieces, then start layering – strawberries, beans, cheese, nuts, greens – until you’ve used everything. Finish with the leafy greens on top so it looks nice and fresh.

3. Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add your berry purée (just blended berries) and mix again. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil as you whisk – bit by bit – until it thickens. Don’t add it all at once or you’ll end up with an oily split mess. Taste and adjust your seasoning.

4. Dress and serve

Just before serving, drizzle the red berry dressing over the top. Don’t drown it, but don’t be stingy either – it’s what brings the whole thing to life.

Serve it up and enjoy.