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Shaved asparagus and sweet corn pair perfectly in this fresh salad. The bright lemon dressing ties it all together.
Spring, to me, has "officially" arrived when asparagus can be found at the market for less than $2 per pound and fresh corn (though not local) is not only a great price but is sweet and tender with tiny, pale white and yellow kernels that seem to burst with flavor and freshness. It's that time and this Shaved Asparagus and Sweet Corn Salad is bursting with Spring flavor!
I found both recently on my weekly trip to Aldi and was both thrilled and inspired. I decided to shave the asparagus which is a delicious way to enjoy raw asparagus. Fresh corn adds a lovely crunch and does not need to be cooked when used in a salad like this, so it was fun and easy to put together.
It does take a bit of time to shave the asparagus but this can be done ahead and kept, refrigerated, in a bowl of ice water for 6-8 hours, making this a perfect dish to make ahead for guests.
I added dried cranberries for a bit of delicious sweetness and thin ribbons of red onions for a burst of zesty flavor.
P.S. I use a vegetable peeler to shave my asparagus.
- Ingredients for the salad
- 1 bunch asparagus shaved into thin ribbons with a sharp vegetable peeler*
- 3 cobs fresh corn corn removed from husks**
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ small red onion very thinly sliced with a sharp knife
- Ingredients for the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons neutral flavored oil ie canola or sunflower
- 1 teaspoon honey
- sea salt a pinch
- freshly ground black pepper
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For the dressing, combine oil, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl, mix well with a fork or small whisk.
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Combine shaved asparagus and thinly sliced red onion in a medium size bowl filled with ice water. Allow to sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 8 hours (refrigerated). When ready to serve, drain well and spread out on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
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Combine asparagus/onion mixture with corn and dried cranberries and cilantro leaves. Add dressing to coat and toss well to combine.
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Salad can be made 2-3 hours ahead or served immediately. Since there's no lettuce involved to wilt, it's delicious the next day as the flavors will have melded. The asparagus won't be as curled (from the stint in ice water) and pretty, but it still looks fresh and tastes fabulous!
~ *Asparagus is easy to shave with a sharp vegetable peeler. If your peeler is old or dull, don't even try it. Here's a great tutorial with helpful tips on shaving asparagus.
~ ** You might be wondering if I forgot to tell you how to cook the corn. When corn is tender and fresh, it doesn't need any cooking when used in recipes like salads and salsas. It adds a delightful sweet crunch and is full of flavor.
Vijay @ NoshOn.It says
Thank you so much for linking to our shaving asparagus tutorial, Chris! This salad looks so beautiful!
Anonymous says
I made this last night and almost licked the plate. Added chicken and used dried apricots rather than dried cherries. I pinned this on Pinterest and added this note - It's in your genes whether or not you think cilantro tastes like soap (I don't) so you might leave that out and only have it in a bowl on the side as a garnish for those who like.
Chris Scheuer says
Your salad sounds wonderful!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to leavve a comment, I always love that! Good idea about the cilantro too! 🙂
Anonymous says
The link to the tutorial doesn't work 🙁
The Café Sucré Farine says
Thanks so much, I think we've got it straightened out!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
You make the best salads! How come the ones I make never look or are this good? I need to come to your house 🙂
Lora CakeDuchess says
I'm thinking now I know how to use this asparagus I just bought. I was just going to use it in my pasta-love your salad inspiration, Chris!
Jen Laceda | Tartine and Apron Strings says
I have asparagus in the fridge now. And also the rest of the component for this salad! Guess I know what I'll be enjoying for dinner tonight!
Lemons and Anchovies says
This salad has some of my favorite flavors--so perfect for spring!
Natalie G says
Such a lovely spring salad! I have never shaved asparagus but what a great idea to incorporate it into salads by using a veggie peeler, can't wait to try it.
Kitchen Riffs says
I love shaved veggie salads! And asparagus is perfect when shaved - such great flavor, such a nice salad. You did a particularly terrific job with yours - looks so good, and I love the inclusion of the corn. Really nice - thanks.
Dining Alone says
I have been roasting asparagus like crazy over here 🙂 I have never tried shaving it like this, such a great idea.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Another beautiful salad Chris! I love the look of that pizza too. You're right, sometimes little things that take a little bit more effort, like peeling the asparagus are well worth it!
Liz Berg says
My mouth is watering! I'd definitely enjoy this one straight up, on toast and on your amazing pizza. Need to add asparagus to my grocery list!
Sophia Del Gigante says
Wow this is sooooooo beautiful- stunning and sounds soooo fresh and healthy! Really beautiful work, wish I could lick the screen and taste this!