MSG Free Basil-Pesto Asparagus Salad

Total time25 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time5 min

4.8

(7)

Fresh asparagus gets a vibrant makeover here, blanched until just tender and brilliant green, then tossed in a bright, herb-forward pesto that comes together entirely in a blender. The quick ice bath is the secret to keeping those spears crisp and gorgeous rather than limp and dull. Every ingredient in this dish is whole and unprocessed — fresh basil, parsley, garlic, lemon, and good olive oil — so there's no need to squint at a label wondering what's hiding in a store-bought sauce or seasoning packet. That matters a lot when you're trying to avoid added glutamates, because pesto is one of those things that often sneaks them in through processed cheeses or flavor enhancers. This version skips all of that and still delivers serious depth, with the lemon zest cutting through the richness of the oil in the most satisfying way. It works beautifully as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a starter when you want something that looks impressive without a lot of fuss. Serve it at room temperature right away or chill it for an hour — either way, it's a keeper.

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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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