This quick and easy Blanched Asparagus is marinated in maple Dijon vinaigrette! A healthy, tasty side dish that the whole family will love!
Some days you are ALL about a big bowl of vegan coconut curry with sweet potato noodles or spicy-sweet mango chicken with coconut cauliflower rice.
But, other days? You just want something simple. Simple like roasted cauliflower or air fryer asparagus.
’cause you know, as fun as cooking is, sometimes it isn’t. On those days, I want simplicity.
Simple but also delicious.
Oh, and fresh. Simple, delicious AND fresh.
I know, I demand a lot from my food.
Why you will LOVE This Recipe
I am always on the hunt for a flavorful, simple, healthy and DELICIOUS side dish to serve for dinner and let me tell you, today’s recipe fits the bill! It’s JUST as easy as air fryer asparagus, but jazzed up a bit like asparagus stir fry with more delicious flavor you will go crazy for. You are going to LOVE this blanched asparagus recipe! It is super easy to whip up, is healthy for your body, and is tossed in the most delicious sweet and tangy dijon dressing to bring the flavor to the next level.
Is Asparagus Good for you?
Yes, asparagus is most definitely good for you and a fantastic vegetable to incorporate into your meals. It is high in fiber and also contains a good amount of folate and vitamins A, E and C. It has even been connected to lowering blood pressure and improving digestion! Therefore, cooking up some blanched asparagus is definitely a good idea and you should go ahead and add it to your meal side dish rotation ASAP.
What is Blanching?
The term “blanching” refers to the action of scalding vegetables in boiling hot water or steam for just a short amount of time. It is usually followed by quick cooling in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Blanching is essential before freezing many vegetables as it stops the enzyme action that can cause loss of flavor, color and texture when thawed and cooked.
How to Blanch Asparagus
Blanching asparagus is the PERFECT way to cook it because it results in perfect texture, delicious flavor, and you don’t lose any nutrients in the process. It is also a great way to prepare the asparagus before freezing it. Here’s how to make this blanched asparagus recipe:
Prepare
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Break the woody ends of the asparagus spears and place them in the boiling water. Boil them in the water for a couple of minutes, or until it is bright green.
Cool
Quickly transfer the asparagus into a large bowl of cold ice water. Let it sit there for a while.
Mix
Add all the ingredients other than the oil to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Next, slowly mix in the oil until the mixture has thickened and it is all well combined.
Toss
Remove the ice water from the bowl of asparagus, and add in the dressing mixture. Toss until all the asparagus is well coated.
Enjoy
Serve your blanched asparagus and DEVOUR!
Serving Suggestions
Blanched asparagus is seriously SUCH an easy side dish and is a great addition to any meal. I would suggest serving it alongside some pecan crusted chicken or maybe a juicy coffee rubbed steak, along with a side of roasted russet potatoes to bring it all together! Any way you choose to serve this tasty asparagus recipe, it is sure to please you and your crew and add color, texture and flavor to your dinner plate.
Ingredients
- 2 Bunches of asparagus
- 2 1/2 tsps Red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Maple syrup
- 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 Tbsp Garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- Pinch of Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Break the spears off the top of the asparagus and place into the water once it has boiled.
- Boil for 2-3 minutes until the asparagus has turned bright green,
- Quickly transfer the asparagus into a large bowl of ice water, to halt cooking.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- While the asparagus cools, mix together the red wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Once mixed, slowly mix in the olive oil.
- Dump the ice water out of the bowl of asparagus and add in the Dijon dressing, tossing until well combined.
- Devour!
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
FOR THIS RECIPE, I RECOMMEND:
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS PER SERVING: SMART POINTS: 2 POINTS+: 2. OLD POINTS: 1
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