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.
Beth says
This salad sounds amazing. I love each individual ingredient, so putting them all together should be a delight.
Thank you :)
Elana says
Beth, you’re welcome!
Rosina says
I have been making this salad ever since you posted it 7 years ago– and people still freak out in tasty amazement when i make it. it’s definitely a summer go-to!!!!
Elana says
Rosina, we love this salad too! Thanks for letting me know that people freak out in tasty amazement when you make it :-)
Meg says
Thank you so much. This dish is as tasty as it is visually appealing. I have recently been introduced to this type of eating. I have been pleasantly surprised. I am thoroughly enjoying the experience thanks in part to your delightful recipes.
Elana says
You’re welcome Meg!
Josh Trenser says
Wow Elana, this looks soooo tasty!!! Will show this to my wife and I hope she will prepare great meal from this one folks!!!
Elana says
Josh, thanks so much!
Lisa says
Peaches or Mango in place of the tomatoes are wonderful too!
Elana says
Lisa, that sounds interesting, if you try it I hope you’ll let us know how it goes :-)
Samantha says
I can’t have nightshades, so I added some chopped up roasted beets for something extra. This salad was delicious. Thank you so much Elana!
Elana says
You’re welcome Samantha! Glad this was delicious :-)
Laura says
I threw in some shredded organic chicken breasts and this was so delicious!!!! I had some lemon basil in my garden that added the perfect touch.
Elana says
Laura, that sounds amazing! Glad this salad was so delicious :-)
Jessica says
Wow, what a great salad! Hubby and I tried it tonight and both loved it. Definitely a keeper – thanks!!!
Elana says
Jessica, thanks so letting me know this salad is a keeper! We love it too :-)
Sarah says
Really simple/creative recipe! I am making a large batch for an Easter gathering tonight. Didn’t have a ripe avocado so I’m subbing 1 cup edamame and 1 cup whole kernel corn. Figured that would work well. I’m curious to see my family’s reactions (some aren’t so veggie-enlightened). BTW – everyone know about Sierra Nevada mustards? Produced by the brewery? Oh they are amazing!
Elana says
Thanks Sarah!
Katie says
I am hosting Easter dinner this week and thinking about making this salad. Does it keep well if I make it a day ahead, perhaps waiting to add the dressing until it’s time to serve? Or will it get mushy? A cup of basil is a lot – is that a packed cup?
Thanks!
elana says
Hi Katie,
Thanks for your comment. I like to make all of my salads fresh so not sure if this one would keep or not.
Yes, I do a packed cup of basil for this recipe –I LOVE basil.
Elana :-)