What day is it? Seriously. All my days have been running together and I completely forgot about Easter. Whoops! This simple seasonal asparagus salad is perfect for the upcoming holiday or anytime you want a simple healthy and delicious meal.

Asparagus is considered part of the EWG’s Clean 15 which basically means that conventionally grown asparagus is still low in pesticides so it’s okay not to splurge on organic. In fact, asparagus is a serious powerhouse of nutrients and health benefits so you may want to stock up this season.

Health Benefits of Asparagus

In ancient times, it was used as an aphrodisiac as it boosts energy, cleanses the urinary tract and releases excess ammonia all which can cause sexual disinterest.

Asparagus is also:

High in vitamin K which supports bone and blood health
Full of folate which is essential for a healthy pregnancy
High in antioxidants, flavanoids and polyphenols
High in quercetin which is anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral
Has an elevated glutathione content which is anti-aging and protects the skin from damage and pollution
Helps to reduce blood pressure and support heart health
High in fiber which aides in digestion
Helps support brain development and function thanks to it’s high amino acid profile asparagine
Helps control blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
Anti-cancer and has been shown effective against liver tumor growth in animal studies
Full of saponins which helps support your immune system by reducing inflammatory cytokines while supporting white blood cell activity

How to Get the Most Health Benefits out of Asparagus

Choose dark green stalks. They have been shown to be higher in antioxidant content.
Bonus points if you choose dark purple asparagus.
Choose asparagus with thick stalk diameter. They are higher quality and higher in nutrient value.
Asparagus looses it’s nutrient value when blanched or boiled in water too long. I usually roast mine. Steamed is fine also.

Now that you know a little about asparagus, it’s health benefits, and how to choose it at the grocery store, let’s get to the recipe.

Spring Asparagus Salad

This simple seasonal salad is beautiful, delicious and easy to make.

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Total Time 20

Course Salad

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
2 tbs olive oil
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tbs red wine vinegar
4 large eggs
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

How to Hard Cook Eggs

Pour an inch of water into a pot with a steamer basket. Bring to a boil. Place the eggs in the steamer basket, cover and steam for 15 minutes. The steam penetrates the eggshell making them easier to peel! Perfect for fresh eggs (old eggs peel easier.)
Alternatively, you can place them in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a rolling boil. Turn off heat. Cover for 10-12 minutes. My grandma always said they are done when you pull one out and the water drys on the surface in 3 seconds.

For the Asparagus

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread asparagus along a baking sheet in a single layer.
Drizzle with 1tbs olive oil. Sprinkle with salt.
Roast 10 minute or until tender.
Meanwhile mix remaining 1tbs olive oil, vinegar and dijon in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

To assemble.

Lay half the asparagus on one plate. Drizzle with dressing.
Half the eggs and scoop out yolk. Chop egg white. Layer on top of asparagus in a thick line (see photo).
Crumble yolk on top of the egg white and season with salt and pepper.
Serves 2.