Brazil Nut Free Basil-Pesto Asparagus Salad
Fresh asparagus gets the star treatment here, blanched until vivid green and tender-crisp, then tossed in a bright, herbaceous pesto that comes together in minutes. The pesto itself is built on fresh basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and good olive oil — nothing more, nothing less. That simplicity is exactly what makes it so satisfying, and it means you have complete control over every ingredient that goes into the bowl. Store-bought pestos can be a minefield, often hiding unexpected nuts or processed additives, but blending your own takes just a few pulses in a food processor. The ice bath step is a small but brilliant move that locks in that gorgeous color and keeps the spears from going limp. A final drizzle of olive oil and a scatter of lemon zest pull the whole dish together with a little extra brightness. Serve it at room temperature for a dinner party side or chill it for an easy make-ahead salad that holds up beautifully.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends snapped off
- 1 tsp salt, divided
For the pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- ¼ tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp salt
For serving
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and stir in 3/4 tsp of the salt. Fill a large bowl with ice water and set it nearby.
- 2
Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook until bright green and just tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 2–3 minutes for medium spears. Drain through a colander and immediately transfer to the ice water. Let sit for 5 minutes until fully chilled, then drain and pat dry with a clean towel.
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