Summer is here and we’re going bonkers for my Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes and Basil, making it just about every week!
Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes and Basil
This easy Asparagus Basil Salad is not only healthy, it’s an incredibly tasty keto side dish.
I love my asparagus salad cold, but if that’s not your thing keep reading for an awesome roasted asparagus recipe.
Summer Salad Easy
My Asparagus Salad Recipe is extra tasty during summer when vegetables are in peak season.
I found this recipe in Sunset Magazine. Actually, I didn’t find it, our family friend Mrs. Rose introduced me to it when we had dinner at her house some time ago.
She was so amazing about all of our special diets (my son and I have Celiac Disease), but more on that in a bit.
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Summer Salad Healthy
We had a fantastic gathering, and I have been making this easy summer salad ever since.
There’s nothing better than a summer salad that’s easy, the bonus here is that the ingredients make this summer salad healthy too.
Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes and Basil
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces, trim off fibrous ends
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, cut into cubes
- 1 cup sliced basil leaves
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Steam asparagus for 5-7 minutes until fork tender
- Place asparagus, tomatoes, avocado, and basil in a large bowl
- Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, and mustard
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Serve
Equipment
Tomato Salad Basil
I love tomato salad with basil, this pairing is such a classic!
My Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes and Basil takes things a step further, adding asparagus to the equation, as well as avocado.
Avocado Salad Recipes
Salad recipes that have blood sugar-stabilizing fat in them are a godsend to those of us on the Keto Diet.
Whether the avocado is in the dressing, or a main ingredient like the Kale Avocado Salad in Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry this “fruit” makes everything a little richer and healthier.
Keto Side Dish
This easy keto side dish is also great for those on a Gluten-Free Diet.
It’s perfect for just about all diets, a total win-win because of its flavors –the basil and tomatoes make this salad pop, and it’s something that everyone can enjoy.
Salad for a BBQ
This asparagus salad is summer in a bowl and also a wonderful salad for a BBQ or potluck.
Summer Side Dishes
One note, if you have a nightshade allergy, Asparagus Salad with Basil and Tomatoes is almost every bit as delicious if you leave out the tomatoes and still makes an amazing summer side dish.
And remember, my third book, Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry, is 100% nightshade-free!
Asparagus Salad Leftovers for Breakfast
Recently, I made a huge batch of Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes and Basil for breakfast with Hard Boiled Eggs.
Wondering how to make hard boiled egg? Yes, a healthy breakfast is easy when you pair veggies with a simple protein.
Asparagus Roasted
This recipe calls for steamed asparagus, but I’ve been making asparagus roasted, for as long as I can remember.
The Pantry Boys have also loved baked asparagus since they were little ones. If you’re looking for an asparagus easy recipe, my Roasted Asparagus in the oven is for you!
Is Asparagus Good for You?
Wondering, is asparagus good for you? Yes, asparagus is a great source of nutrients!
In fact, it is a superfood full of healthy pre-biotic fiber. Asparagus is also:
- Low Calorie
- Supports Bone Health
- Promotes Urinary Health
Why Asparagus Pee Smell?
One of the things that makes asparagus good for you is the sulfuric compounds it contains. The sulfur in asparagus is also what makes our urine smell funky.
Sulfer is an important compound that is beneficial to our bodies because it helps protect our DNA and is involved in cellular repair and rejuvenation.
Does Everyone’s Asparagus Pee Smell? Yes!
Does everyone’s pee smell after asparagus? The answer is yes. Not everyone can smell the sulfuric odor that urine takes on after eating asparagus, but, fun fact, everyone’s pee has that smell.
Summer Salad Recipes
If you enjoyed my asparagus salad recipe you will love my other summer salad recipes below.
Easy Fruit Salad
The king of summer salad recipes, my Fruit Salad lights up any table and is a dish the whole family will enjoy.
Serving for dessert? Pro-tip: add a scoop of my Whipped Cream homemade recipe.
Spicy Coleslaw
The most perfect of summer side dishes, especially for a BBQ, my Spicy Coleslaw that’s homemade hits the spot.
Spiked with ginger and lime, this coleslaw with Asian flavors is a refreshing summer delight.
If you are looking for inspiration for the rest of your meal, check out my Summer BBQ Recipes.
Cucumber Salad in Vinegar
Bubby’s Cucumber Salad is beloved in our home. It’s a great salad that’s healthy, that I learned to make from one of my grandmothers,
It couldn’t be easier to throw together, or more refreshing on summer days, but it’s so good we have this cucumber salad in vinegar all year round!
Socializing with Diet Restrictions?
So, on to something I mentioned earlier here, handling diet restrictions when socializing. As everyone here knows and has likely experienced firsthand, this can be a challenge.
When family and friends don’t understand, accommodate, or respect diet restrictions things can get a bit dicey.
In our case, at the social event mentioned above, we were truly blessed as Mrs. Rose made tons of healthy gluten-free food for us!
Maintaining Diet Restrictions
I believe it really is up to us to maintain our boundaries and not eat food that makes us feel awful, just to spare someone else’s feelings.
How Do You Honor Your Diet Restrictions?
When forced to choose, I would rather hurt someone’s feelings than hurt my body. Has anybody else been in a situation like that? If so, what did you do? Leave a comment and let me know!
This post is an oldie but goodie from the archives. I first shared this Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes and Basil recipe in 2010.
elana says
Neta,
Hmmm, I doubt you’re doing anything wrong.
Grapeseed oil has a fairly high smoking/burning point of 420 degrees, which is a good thing when frying. I think it may be that in cooking repeated batches of latkes in oil, the oil just eventually starts to burn and needs to be dumped and replenished.
Have you had better success with other types of oils? If so, please let us know :-)
Thanks,
Elana
Sophia says
I love asparagus! I wish it was in season all year round. I made asparagus roll-ups for a snack over the weekend! Delicious! I’m going to have to try your recipe next!
Elana says
Thanks Sophia!
Karl MacPhee says
This looks great. I think I will make it tonight and add some chicken thighs, and pine nuts for a full meal. I have been looking to do more meals out of one dish lately and have had pretty good success. Thanks.
Elana says
You’re welcome Karl!
Laura says
Hi Elena, I have been loving/raving about your blog for months. I got your book for my birthday and am seriously obsessed with all your recipes. I recently made this salad for my blog and linked to yours. It’s the perfect combination of some of my absolute favorite things. I was reading about how you attended a photo workshop and had to say, I love the new photo of you on your blog! Too cute! You are lovely.
Best from the bowl, L
Elana says
Laura, thanks for your amazing comment! I’m so happy you are enjoying my blog and also that this salad was the perfect combination of your absolute favorite things :-)
Babette says
Made this for a potluck last weekend. It was a big hit! It’s wonderful to share delicious recipes with others who don’t have dietary restrictions–they don’t miss anything!
Elana says
Babette, thanks for letting me know this salad was a big hit!
kelsey says
I have Chronic Kidney Disease due to an immune system defect…I am usually in a situation where I am bound to hurt someone’s feelings or insult their beliefs for not eating all my food. The good news is that once I explain that it is due to dietary restrictions and a failing organ…people tend to be pretty sheepish. I think there needs to be more understanding from chefs and a realization from hosts that their food may or may not be the best thing we ever ate and appreciating someone’s generosity does not mean I need to ask for seconds or even necessarily like their food…the goal of social or business events should not be the food, but the people.
Also, I make a similar salad during the summer with red bell pepper and lime juice instead of lemon juice. Instead of steaming the asparagus, I grill the asparagus and red pepper, makes it feel more like summer.
Elana says
Thanks Kelsey!
Bethany says
This looks awesome! When I was on a Candida diet, I told people what my eating restrictions were, and I also brought my own food when I knew I would be out at meal times. I did get some funny reactions when I turned down free pizza while taking a group of my students to work at a local soup kitchen.
Elana says
Thanks Bethany!
colormepink says
I have been pretty lucky overall, I socialize in a pretty small group so most people know what to expect with me and are usually relieved when I tell them I will bring my own food or supplement what they provide. What I found early on in this transition was that for some reason if I tried to explain I was eating differently for my health, I got a lot of, “just one piece/ bite won’t hurt you” but when I started telling people I had food allergies or intolerances and I could get sick from eating (fill in the blank) they were a lot more understanding. And there are SO MANY people who know so little about nutrition or food. I had a really hard time getting someone to understand that whole wheat flour was still flour, she was confused and deflated when I couldn’t eat the whole wheat muffins she made. With people who are new to my needs, I try to keep it simple- “I have multiple food intolerances and many things make me sick, I’d like to bring something”. Then if they ask for more information, I’m happy to elaborate. The one issue that still plagues me is beer and alcohol, I can’t get it through the heads of many, including my husband, that beer contains gluten and that 1 drink of pretty much anything means 48 hours of recuperation, so I usually just volunteer to be a designated driver to get out of that one. And I have found that more and more people know someone already with some allergy or intolerance and with so much gluten-free buzz, it at least seems like more people are becoming educated about the issue (even if marginally). But it’s hard to hurt the feelings of someone you care about who probably means well but just has no clue. Hopefully with time and tact, they will begin to at least accept. I hope everyone can find and maintain their path.
Elana says
Colormepink, I totally agree :-)
Tracy says
Elana, or others, do you wait to put the dressing on if you are eating it at two different occassions during the day, for instance breakfast and dinner??? Thanks, Tracy
Elana says
Tracy, feel free to do it either way :-)
Kalynskitchen says
This looks like a fantastic salad for anyone, whether you need gluten-free food or not. Love it!
Elana says
Thanks Kalyn!