Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese, Lentils, and Almonds (19 Minutes)

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This vibrant and nutritious salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a healthy lunch or a light dinner.

The salad features a bed of fresh greens topped with tender cooked lentils, creamy goat cheese, crisp asparagus tips, juicy grapes, chopped almonds, and sweet apple pieces.

A homemade dressing ties all the ingredients together, adding a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the natural goodness of each element.

Let’s make this delicious salad!

  • Prep Time: 14 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 19 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the salad:
  • 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or a spring mix)
  • 1 cup cooked lentils, cooled
  • 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup asparagus tips, blanched and cooled
  • 1 cup grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted
  • 1 apple, chopped (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
For the dressing:
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing (5 minutes):
    • In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic.
    • Whisk together or shake well until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  2. Blanch the asparagus tips (5 minutes):
    • Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus tips and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
    • Immediately transfer the asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
  3. Assemble the salad (5 minutes):
    • On a large serving platter or in individual salad bowls, arrange the mixed greens as the base.
    • Evenly distribute the cooked lentils, crumbled goat cheese, asparagus tips, halved grapes, chopped almonds, and chopped apple over the greens.
  4. Dress the salad (2 minutes):
    • Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad just before serving. You can either toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly or serve with the dressing on the side for individual preference.
  5. Garnish and serve (2 minutes):
    • Garnish the salad with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired.
    • Serve immediately, and enjoy this fresh, flavorful, and nutritious dish!

Notes

Toasting the almonds brings out their natural flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey or maple syrup to taste.

This salad is highly versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, such as adding roasted beets, sliced avocado, or a sprinkle of dried cranberries.

You can also pair it with your favorite protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Pair this with...

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Begin with a batch of hard-boiled eggs. Once they're cooled, peel them and slice in half lengthwise, gently removing the yolks and placing them in a separate bowl. To these yolks, add a dollop of mayonnaise, a squirt of mustard, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Mix until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, pipe or spoon this rich filling back into the hollowed egg whites. To elevate them to true 'deviled' status, give each one a sprinkle of paprika on top. It adds a pop of color and a subtle smoky flavor.

Strawberry Smoothie

You'll need about 1 cup of fresh strawberries (or frozen if you've got 'em), 1/2 a banana to add creaminess, 1 cup of your favorite milk (almond, cow’s, soy – whatever floats your boat), and a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sugar for a touch of sweetness. Optional: a dollop of yogurt for added richness and probiotics. Pop everything into your blender, give it a whirl until it's silky smooth, and pour into a chilled glass. If you're feeling a tad adventurous, toss in a handful of oats or your choice of protein powder for an extra kick.

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Healthy Ground Chicken Tacos (30 Minutes)

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