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Lemony French Green Bean Asparagus Salad

Lemony French Green Bean Asparagus Salad for Vibrant Meals

This Lemony French Green Bean Asparagus Salad is a quick, healthy, and visually stunning addition to any meal, bursting with freshness and flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: French
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces French Green Beans Adds crispness and bright flavor; look for haricot verts if available.
  • 8 ounces Asparagus Provides a tender texture; slice thinly for best results.
  • 8 ounces Sugar Snap Peas Contributes a sweet crunch; slice diagonally for uniform pieces.
  • 1 cup Baby Peas Adds a burst of sweetness; use frozen peas for convenience.
For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Base for the dressing, enhancing flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Key ingredient in the dressing, providing acidity.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Zest Brightens the dish; fresh zest is best for flavor.
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced Adds depth to the dressing; use fresh garlic for best taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances all flavors; adjust to taste.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Adds a hint of heat; omit for less spice.
For the Topping
  • 1 tablespoon Butter Adds richness to the walnut-panko topping; can substitute with more olive oil for a vegan option.
  • 0.5 cup Walnuts Brings crunch and healthy fats; can substitute with pecans or almonds.
  • 0.5-0.75 cup Panko Bread Crumbs Creates a crispy topping; use regular breadcrumbs if necessary.
  • 0.5-0.75 cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved Adds richness and umami; substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Mint, roughly chopped Brings freshness and aroma; basil can be a tasty alternative.
  • 6-8 Scallions, thinly sliced Provides a mild onion flavor; can substitute with chives.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the French green beans, asparagus, and sugar snap peas, cooking for 1 minute until vibrant and crisp. Immediately drain and plunge the vegetables into an ice bath to stop the cooking process, preserving their bright color and crunch. Let them sit for a few minutes, then drain again and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the walnuts and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly toasted. Stir in the panko bread crumbs, cooking until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Finally, mix in the lemon zest and crushed red pepper, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a smooth dressing. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring it's flavorful and well-balanced for your Lemony French Green Bean Asparagus Salad.
  4. Add the cooled blanched vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat the green beans, asparagus, and sugar snap peas in the flavorful mixture, making sure they are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed, to highlight the vibrant flavors of the salad.
  5. Transfer the dressed vegetables to a serving platter. Top generously with the walnut-panko mixture, allowing it to add a delightful crunch. Sprinkle shaved Parmesan, fresh mint leaves, and sliced scallions over the salad for added garnish and aroma. Serve immediately for the best texture or keep toppings on the side if storing leftovers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store the walnut-panko topping separately from the salad to maintain texture and prevent sogginess when enjoying leftovers.

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