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Home » salad » Grilled Asparagus Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Grilled Asparagus Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Published: Jun 12, 2018 · Modified: Mar 25, 2020 by Louisa Clements · This post may contain affiliate links

This post may contain affiliate links

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23 minutes 5 Comments

Grilled asparagus salad with basil vinaigrette is the perfect early summer salad with avocado, goats cheese and sun dried tomatoes.

Grilled asparagus salad with basil vinaigrette is the perfect early summer salad with avocado, goats cheese and sundried tomatoes. | livinglou.com

I had a realization today: I miss being surrounded by creative people. It’s something that I took for granted. This was a bit of an Oprah-style a-ha moment today, and I feel good about it. I’ve been trying to figure out why I’ve felt less inspired recently, and I think this is part of it. You may have noticed a slight silence on here, and the truth is, I’m happy, for many reasons, and in this moment, this grilled asparagus salad recipe is making me smile because it’s a recipe that I’m excited about.

Film school (as all fine arts programs are) was a mecca for creativity. I still love thinking back to some of those classes, and the discussions, especially during my final year, in my intimate 10 person thesis class. Of course there were classes, projects and many moments that weren’t fun, but the energy and passion were palpable.

We were there because we wanted to make something.

Grilled asparagus salad with basil vinaigrette is the perfect early summer salad with avocado, goats cheese and sundried tomatoes. | livinglou.com

After school, I worked in publishing. I spent a year working on the food team of a magazine, spending hours in the test kitchen, cooking, testing and brainstorming recipes. And when I wasn’t doing that, I was writing about food.

This is a time I hold so closely in my heart. I know how lucky I am to have spent time working with a few cooks (who quickly became friends) who had so much passion for cooking. This is where I learned so much of what I know. Where my imagination was stretched and challenged.

It was a job, but we were there because we wanted to make something. 

Grilled asparagus salad with basil vinaigrette is the perfect early summer salad with avocado, goats cheese and sundried tomatoes. | livinglou.com

Then I worked in television. On the digital side. And it was fun and exciting and exhausting all at the same time. There was a constant creative challenge, and for a long time, I truly loved it. And now I work in a new industry and it’s good and challenging, in a different way from my previous jobs.

But I miss my people. My artsy folks, because we are here to make something. And we know it, we understand each other.

So, that’s why I keep showing up here, eight years later. I’m here to make something. And I love it. And while not everything fits together perfectly all the time, I’m a true believer that eventually it will.

Today, it’s this fresh salad with sweet and grassy grilled asparagus, tangy goat cheese, savoury sun dried tomatoes and finished off with a bright basil vinaigrette (that doesn’t taste like pesto–please don’t add garlic!).

Grilled asparagus salad with basil vinaigrette is the perfect early summer salad with avocado, goats cheese and sundried tomatoes. | livinglou.com

Grilled Asparagus Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Author: Louisa Clements
3.88 from 8 votes
Grilled asparagus salad with basil vinaigrette is the perfect early summer salad with avocado, goats cheese and sun dried tomatoes.
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Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 23 minutes
servings icon
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • ½ lb asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
  • ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

Basil Vinaigrette:

  • ½ cup packed basil leaves
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  • Preheat barbecue to medium heat. Toss asparagus in olive oil in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt.
  • Grill asparagus, turning often until lightly charred and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside, and when cool enough to handle, cut into 1" pieces.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl toss romaine with cucumber, green onion, avocado, sun dried tomatoes, goat cheese and cooled, chopped asparagus.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine basil with olive oil, vinegar and salt. Toss with salad and serve immediately.
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment + rating and let me know what you think!
Filed Under: easy, gluten free, grilling, lunch, quick recipes, salad, side dish, vegetarian
Nutrition Facts
Grilled Asparagus Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Amount Per Serving
Calories 452 Calories from Fat 378
% Daily Value*
Fat 42g65%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 7mg2%
Sodium 380mg17%
Potassium 1057mg30%
Carbohydrates 17g6%
Fiber 9g38%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 8g16%
Vitamin A 14585IU292%
Vitamin C 20mg24%
Calcium 114mg11%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is an estimate and is provided for informational purposes only. If you have any specific dietary concerns, please consult with your healthcare practitioner.

Let me know if you give this grilled asparagus salad with basil vinaigrette a try in the comments below.

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Comments

  1. Anita

    June 29, 2020 at 4:36 am

    I made your delcious salad this weekend. Outstanding! Thanks for another amazing recipe.
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      July 15, 2020 at 3:01 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it, Anita! Thank you for letting me know and leaving a review--much appreciated!
      Reply
  2. Lou Clements

    June 18, 2018 at 8:30 pm

    Louisa, as your Dad I want your supporters to know that you have put your heart and soul into your recipes, your writing and your photos and you have done it while growing as a person, starting as a 17 year-old with a dream and the will to make it happen! I know you have inspired many people to try new dishes but you have also inspired people to try new things and to put themselves out there. Dad
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
  3. Samantha

    June 18, 2018 at 9:51 am

    Any suggestions on replacing the cucumbers? (Not a fan!) Excited to try it out! Thanks!
    Reply
    • Lou

      June 20, 2018 at 7:42 pm

      Hi Samantha, I would leave out the cucumber and add another avocado! You could also add some cherry tomatoes as another option. I hope you enjoy. :)
      Reply

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Hi, I'm Louisa Clements & welcome to Living Lou. I've been creating simple, fresh & flavorful recipes for the modern kitchen for 12 years.
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