Mediterranean Asparagus, Tomato & Feta Salad
with Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Mediterranean Asparagus, Tomato & Feta Salad is a fresh and colorful side dish bursting with vibrant summer flavors. Blanched or grilled asparagus spears are combined with sweet cherry tomatoes, salty crumbled feta, and fragrant herbs, all tossed in a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch, BBQ side, or healthy addition to grilled meats, this salad is easy to prepare and loaded with Mediterranean goodness.
Time & Servings:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
Total Time: 15–20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2⁄3 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil or mint, chopped (optional)
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp honey (or maple syrup)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of garlic powder or 1 small garlic clove, minced
Instructions
Cook the Asparagus:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Add asparagus and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender (blanching).
Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and retain color.
Drain and pat dry, or grill lightly instead for a smoky flavor.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine asparagus, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and herbs.
Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
Top with crumbled feta.
Serve:
Serve immediately, or chill for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Great as a side dish or served over a bed of greens or cooked quinoa.
Tips for the Best Salad
Don’t Overcook the Asparagus:
Blanch just until bright green and crisp-tender (2–3 minutes). Overcooked asparagus becomes mushy and dull.
Chill the Asparagus Quickly:
Transfer to an ice bath immediately after blanching to stop the cooking process and lock in color and crunch.
Use High-Quality Feta:
Look for a creamy, block-style feta in brine. Crumble it yourself for better texture and taste.
Make It Ahead:
You can prep the asparagus and dressing a few hours in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving for best freshness.
Mix Gently:
Toss ingredients gently to avoid breaking the tomatoes and crumbling the feta too much.
Serve Slightly Chilled or Room Temp:
Let the salad sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
Variations to Try
Grilled Asparagus:
For a smoky twist, grill the asparagus with olive oil and salt instead of blanching it.
Add Olives:
Toss in sliced Kalamata or green olives for a briny, Mediterranean pop.
Add Protein:
Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even hard-boiled eggs for a more filling meal.
Go Green:
Serve over arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for extra volume and nutrients.
Switch the Cheese:
Try crumbled goat cheese, shaved Parmesan, or fresh mozzarella instead of feta.
Add Crunch:
Top with toasted pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts for texture and richness.
Fruit Additions:
For a sweet-savory twist, add a few sliced strawberries or grapes.
Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen asparagus?
A: Yes, though fresh is best for texture. If using frozen, thaw and quickly blanch or sauté to warm through and enhance flavor.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the asparagus, chop the vegetables, and make the dressing a day in advance. Combine everything just before serving and add feta last for the best texture.
Q: Is this salad served warm or cold?
A: It’s best served cold or at room temperature. If you grill the asparagus, you can serve it slightly warm for a nice contrast with the chilled tomatoes and feta.
Q: What’s a good vegan substitute for feta?
A: Use vegan feta or crumble in marinated tofu for a similar tangy-salty flavor.
Q: Can I use a different vinegar for the dressing?
A: Absolutely! Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are great alternatives to balsamic if you want a lighter taste.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~180 kcal |
Protein | ~5g |
Carbohydrates | ~8g |
Fiber | ~3g |
Fat | ~14g |
Saturated Fat | ~4g |
Sugar | ~4g |
Sodium | ~300mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary based on feta brand and any additional toppings.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Asparagus, Tomato & Feta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a fresh, fast, and flavorful dish that brings the best of summer produce to your plate. It’s colorful, crisp, and loaded with Mediterranean flair—perfect for a healthy lunch, a vibrant BBQ side, or a refreshing addition to your weekly meal plan.
Whether you blanch or grill the asparagus, keep it simple or build it into a hearty grain bowl, this salad offers flexibility and flavor in every bite.