Asparagus, Strawberry Salad with Crispy Prosciutto and Orange Zest (23 Minutes)

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This asparagus and strawberry salad is a delightful and elegant dish that pairs the freshness of asparagus and strawberries with the savory crunch of crispy prosciutto.

Topped with whole candied almonds and a hint of orange zest, and finished with a drizzle of balsamic dressing, this salad is a blend of flavors and textures.

It’s perfect for a sophisticated starter or light meal. Let’s begin!

  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 4 slices of prosciutto
  • 1/2 cup whole candied almonds (homemade or store bought)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Balsamic Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Blanch Asparagus (5 minutes): Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Crisp the Prosciutto (10 minutes): In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices and cook until crisp, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, break into large pieces.
  3. Prepare Balsamic Dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Assemble the Salad (5 minutes): Arrange the cold asparagus stalks on a serving platter. Top with sliced strawberries, crispy prosciutto pieces, and whole candied almonds.
  5. Add Zest and Dressing (2 minutes): Sprinkle orange zest over the salad. Drizzle with the balsamic dressing just before serving.
  6. Serve (1 minute): Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful salad!

Notes

This dish is all about the balance of flavors and textures. Ensure the asparagus is not overcooked – it should be vibrant and retain a slight crunch.

The combination of sweet strawberries, salty prosciutto, and nutty almonds creates a unique taste experience, enhanced by the citrusy note of orange zest.

This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great choice for impressing guests. 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: 7g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Pair this with...

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Begin with fresh Brussels sprouts, trimming the ends and cutting them in half for a flat, roasting surface. In a mixing bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, ensuring each one is glistening and ready for the oven's heat. Now, drizzle them with good-quality balsamic vinegar, which will reduce and caramelize as they roast, imparting a deep, rich flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance out that balsamic sweetness. Spread the sprouts evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring each one has space to become crisp. Roast in a preheated oven until they’re beautifully browned and slightly crispy on the outside, while maintaining a tender bite inside.

Homemade Focaccia Bread

Grab 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups warm water, a packet of active dry yeast, 2 tsp sugar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and a tablespoon of salt. Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle in yeast, and wait till it's frothy (5 mins). Mix this with flour, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Once you've got a dough, let it rest until doubled in size (about 1.5 hours). Transfer it to a baking sheet, poke some dimples in with your fingers, drizzle more olive oil, and sprinkle sea salt and herbs (rosemary's a classic!). Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Simple Tomato Soup

Start with a can of whole tomatoes; they're a trusty shortcut to rich flavor. In a pot, sauté a diced onion until it’s soft. Add in a couple cloves of minced garlic, and let those aromatic buddies mingle. Pour in your tomatoes, break 'em up a bit, and add 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. For depth, sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. Now, blend it until smooth. If you’re feeling fancy, swirl in a touch of cream for extra richness. Serve hot.

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