I’m excited to share my fresh and simple asparagus potato salad with you. This light and zesty dish is perfect for warm days and will brighten any meal with its crisp flavors.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
I love making asparagus potato salad because it’s a refreshing mix of tender new potatoes and crisp asparagus. This salad is a great side dish for picnics, barbecues, or a casual lunch. The secret to its great taste is cooking the vegetables just right and letting the flavors blend in the refrigerator.
Description
This recipe starts with fresh asparagus that I trim and cut into bite-sized pieces. I lightly boil the asparagus until it’s just tender and then cool it with cold water. Meanwhile, I cook small new potatoes until they are soft yet firm and slice them thinly. The vegetables are tossed with a simple dressing made of white wine vinegar, diced purple onion, Dijon mustard, dried dill, and black pepper. After a long chill in the fridge, the flavors come together beautifully, and a few slices of hard-boiled egg on top add a lovely finishing touch.
Ingredients
• 6 cups fresh asparagus
• Water (for boiling)
• 1 lb small new potatoes
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup diced purple onion
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
Directions
- Prepare the Asparagus:
o Trim the woody ends and remove any tough outer parts from the asparagus.
o Cut the asparagus into bite-size pieces.
o Place the asparagus in a saucepan over medium heat, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
o Cook for about 10 minutes until tender but still crisp.
o Drain, rinse with cold water, and let the asparagus cool completely. - Cook the Potatoes:
o In another saucepan, add the new potatoes and cover with water.
o Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for about 7 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
o Drain, rinse with cold water, and allow the potatoes to cool completely.
o Once cooled, cut the potatoes into thin slices. - Mix the Salad:
o In a large bowl, combine the cooled asparagus and sliced potatoes.
o In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water, white wine vinegar, diced purple onion, Dijon mustard, dried dill, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth.
o Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss until evenly coated. - Chill and Serve:
o Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours to let the flavors blend.
o Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and arrange the sliced hard-boiled egg on top.
Process Details
• Cooking the Vegetables: I boil the asparagus and potatoes separately so that each cooks perfectly—tender yet firm enough to hold their shape.
• Cooling Method: Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and keeps the vegetables crisp.
• Flavor Blending: Allowing the salad to chill for several hours really helps the dressing soak into the vegetables, making every bite flavorful.
Tips for Success
• Trim Carefully: Remove the tough ends from the asparagus to ensure a pleasant texture.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the vegetables as they boil; they should be tender but still have a bite.
• Gentle Mixing: Toss the salad gently so that the delicate potato slices remain intact.
• Plan Ahead: Remember to chill the salad for at least 3 hours—it’s worth the wait for the best flavor.
Serving Ideas
• Picnic Favorite: Serve this salad as a light and refreshing side dish at your next picnic or outdoor gathering.
• Perfect with Grilled Dishes: Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced and healthy meal.
• Healthy Lunch Option: Enjoy it on its own as a nutritious and satisfying lunch on a warm day.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: 150
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 5g
I believe this asparagus potato salad is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh vegetables with a tangy twist. Its easy preparation and bright flavors make it a delightful addition to any meal. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this salad as much as I do!
