Shaved Asparagus Salad

Difficulty:
1/5

Ease of Preparation: Easy
Time of Preparation: 10-12 minutes
Yield: 6 servings, as an appetizer

Start mom’s dinner off with a bang by serving this bright, flavorful appetizer! Wisps of springtime asparagus are bathed in a rich tahini dressing, coupled with toasty pine nuts and frosty mint, and garnished with an assortment of edible flowers that scream “For you, mom.”
 


 

Ingredients:

Tahini Dressing:
  • 5 tablespoons (75 ml) tahini
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) honey
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) warm water, and more as needed
  • Salt
To Serve:
  • 2 bunches (large, thick) asparagus, (very fresh) hard stems broken off
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 tablespoons (60 ml) pine nuts
  • ½ bunch mint leaves, torn
  • Tahini Dressing
  • Mixed Edible Flowers (such as nasturtium, marigold, borage, chive blossoms)

 


 

Method:

For the Tahini Dressing:

In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, garlic, lemon, and honey.

Add water in increments, whisking between additions, to make a thin, creamy dressing. Season with salt.

Reserve for plating.

 

To Serve:

With a sharp vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus into long, thin ribbons. If not using right away, keep crisp in ice water and dry well before serving.

In a dry, heavy pan over medium-high heat, lightly toast the pine nuts until just aromatic and golden brown. When ready, immediately remove from the pan to a plate or tray, to prevent overcooking.

Dress the asparagus with the Tahini Dressing, then garnish with the toasted pine nuts, mint, and edible flowers to make a stunning presentation.

Serve immediately.