Name: Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 8 10 ounces 8 (); For Salad:; 8 oz asparagus spears; 2 medium carrots; ½ large bulb fennel; 6 radishes; For Dressing:; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ½ lemon; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tsp honey; ½ tsp kosher salt; ¼ cup mint; For Garnish:; 2 oz parmesan cheese; ⅓ cup Walnuts

Immerse yourself in the season's freshest produce with this shaved spring vegetable salad. Crisp asparagus, sweet carrots, aromatic fennel, and punchy radishes are all the stars of this vibrant dish. Tossed in a honey-lemon dressing and topped with shaved parmesan and crunchy walnuts, it's a celebration of spring's bounty in every bite.

Photos of Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad Recipe

The key to this recipe is sourcing the freshest spring vegetables you can find. Asparagus, carrots, fennel, and radishes are all in season during the spring months and should be readily available at your local supermarket or farmers market. Fennel, with its unique anise flavor, might not be as common in your pantry but is definitely worth seeking out for this recipe. Its crunch and slightly sweet, licorice-like taste are what make this salad special.

Ingredients for Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad

Asparagus spears: These will provide a nice crunch and fresh flavor.

Carrots: Will add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.

Fennel: Fennel has a unique, slightly sweet flavor that really adds depth to the salad.

Radishes: These add a sharp, peppery bite.

Lemon: This will be used in the dressing, adding a tart and refreshing flavor.

Extra-virgin olive oil: The base of the dressing, it brings all the flavors together.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing.

Kosher salt: Used to season the salad.

Mint: Adds a fresh and cool note.

Parmesan cheese: Salty and rich, it adds a nice contrast to the fresh vegetables.

Walnuts: They add a nice crunch and a touch of earthiness.

One reader, Amelia Beckwith says:

This shaved spring vegetable salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh asparagus, carrots, fennel, and radishes is so refreshing. The dressing with lemon juice, olive oil, and honey adds a delightful zing. The mint and parmesan take it to the next level. A must-try for a healthy and delicious meal!

Amelia Beckwith

Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad

How to shave the vegetables: Use a Japanese mandolin to cut the vegetables into very thin slices, making longer, diagonal slices for the asparagus and carrots. Alternatively, you can use a chef’s knife or a food processor fitted with the slicer blade.

How to make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, honey, and salt until well combined.

How to dress the salad: Just before serving, add the mint and dressing to the shaved vegetables, tossing gently to coat them lightly. Use a vegetable peeler to shave about 20 thin shards of parmesan into the salad, then toss again.

How to serve: Transfer the salad to a large plate and scatter the walnuts over the top before serving immediately.

How To Make Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad

This dish mimics the freshness of spring. Spring vegetable salad is made of thinly sliced vegetables drizzled with a light citrusy dressing.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

8ozasparagus spears,about 10 medium, woody ends snapped off
2medium carrots
½large bulb fennel
6radishes

For the Dressing:

1tbsplemon juice,plus 1 teaspoon
½lemon,zest
2tbspextra-virgin olive oil
1tsphoney
½tspkosher salt
¼cupmint,fresh roughly chopped

For the Garnish:

2ozparmesan cheese
⅓cupwalnuts,chopped

Instructions

Cut the vegetables into very thin slices using a Japanese mandolin. Pile into a large bowl.

Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, honey, and salt.
Just before serving, add mint and the dressing. Use a vegetable peeler to shave about 20 thin shards of Parmesan into the salad. Toss again. Taste and add more salt and dressing if needed.
Transfer to a large plate. Scatter the walnuts over the top. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 110.86kcal
Fat: 7.29g
Saturated Fat: 2.24g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.04g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.74g
Carbohydrates: 7.85g
Fiber: 2.73g
Sugar: 4.09g
Protein: 5.01g
Cholesterol: 6.43mg
Sodium: 281.46mg
Calcium: 151.99mg
Potassium: 307.34mg
Iron: 1.69mg
Vitamin A: 223.17µg
Vitamin C: 12.08mg

Pro Tip for Mastering Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad

When using a Japanese mandolin to shave your vegetables, always use the guard to protect your fingers. The blades are extremely sharp and it's easy to accidentally cut yourself. Also, to get the most flavor out of your lemon, roll it on the counter before cutting and squeezing. This helps to break down some of the fibers in the lemon and allows you to get more juice out of it.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad

Prep ahead: Cut and shave the vegetables the day before and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of serving.

Use a mandolin: Utilize a mandolin to quickly and uniformly slice the vegetables, saving time and ensuring consistent thickness.

Multi-task: While the vegetables are marinating in the dressing, use that time to prepare other components of the meal to maximize efficiency.

Invest in quality tools: Quality knives and kitchen tools can make the prep work faster and more enjoyable, so consider investing in good equipment.

Organize your workspace: Before you start, make sure your workspace is organized and all ingredients and tools are easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad Recipe

asparagus spears - Substitute with green beans: Green beans have a similar crisp texture and fresh flavor, making them a suitable replacement for asparagus in the salad.
carrots - Substitute with jicama: Jicama offers a similar crunchy texture and mild sweetness, adding a refreshing element to the salad.
fennel - Substitute with celery: Celery can provide a similar crunch and a hint of herbal flavor, complementing the other vegetables in the salad.
radishes - Substitute with watermelon radishes: Watermelon radishes offer a similar peppery bite and vibrant color, enhancing the visual appeal of the salad.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar provides a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice, balancing the flavors in the dressing.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil offers a mild, buttery flavor and a smooth texture, serving as a healthy alternative to olive oil.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor, similar to honey, to the dressing.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of salinity and enhances the overall seasoning of the salad.
mint - Substitute with basil: Basil can impart a fresh, herbaceous note to the salad, similar to the role of mint in the original recipe.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino cheese: Pecorino cheese offers a similar salty, nutty flavor and can be grated over the salad for added richness.
walnuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, adding a delightful texture to the salad.

Presenting Your Shaved Vegetable Salad

Artful arrangement of shaved vegetables: Arrange the shaved asparagus, carrots, fennel, and radishes in a visually appealing manner on the plate, creating a vibrant and colorful display.
Elevate with delicate drizzle: Drizzle the lemon and honey dressing over the shaved vegetables with precision, ensuring each piece is lightly coated and glistening with flavor.
Garnish with finesse: Scatter the thinly shaved parmesan cheese over the salad, allowing it to delicately drape over the vegetables, adding a touch of richness and elegance.
Sprinkle with crunchy walnuts: Sprinkle the walnuts over the salad, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish, creating a textural contrast.
Minty freshness: Carefully place fresh mint leaves on top of the salad, adding a pop of color and a refreshing aroma to the dish.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the shaved spring vegetable salad on elegant, high-quality serving ware to enhance the overall dining experience and showcase the dish's sophistication.

Essential Tools for Making a Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad

Japanese mandolin: A kitchen tool used for slicing and shredding vegetables and fruits with precision and speed.
Chef’s knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping various ingredients.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
Vegetable peeler: A handheld tool used to peel the outer skin of vegetables and fruits.

Interesting Tidbit About Shaved Spring Vegetable Salads

The shaved spring vegetable salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh produce. It's a great way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your diet and enjoy a burst of color and crunch. This salad is a perfect choice for a light and healthy meal, and it's a wonderful option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet. With its zesty dressing and delicate shavings of vegetables, this salad is a delightful addition to any springtime menu.

Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad: Budget-Friendly or Splurge?

This shaved spring vegetable salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as asparagus, carrots, fennel, radishes, lemon, olive oil, and mint, are generally affordable and widely available. The use of seasonal vegetables can further reduce the cost. The addition of parmesan cheese and walnuts may slightly increase the overall cost, but these ingredients can be used in various other dishes. Considering the nutritional value and the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a great option for a healthy and budget-friendly meal. Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost: $12-15.

Is This Spring Vegetable Salad Healthy?

This shaved spring vegetable salad recipe is a healthy and refreshing dish that showcases the best of seasonal produce. The salad is packed with nutrient-dense vegetables like asparagus, carrots, fennel, and radishes, which are all low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The dressing is made with heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and honey, providing a balance of healthy fats and natural sweetness. The addition of fresh mint adds a burst of flavor and antioxidants. Parmesan cheese and walnuts provide a source of protein and healthy fats, making this salad a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the diversity of nutrients and antioxidants in the salad
Opt for organic vegetables whenever possible to reduce exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals
Increase the amount of vegetables and reduce the amount of cheese and nuts to lower the overall calorie and fat content
Use a light hand when dressing the salad to avoid overwhelming the delicate flavors of the vegetables and to keep the calorie count in check
Add a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the salad more filling and satisfying
Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or oil

Editor's Take: Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad Recipe

This shaved spring vegetable salad recipe is a delightful celebration of fresh, seasonal produce. The combination of asparagus, carrots, fennel, and radishes creates a vibrant and colorful dish. The dressing, with its zesty lemon, rich olive oil, and hint of honey, perfectly complements the crisp vegetables. The addition of mint adds a refreshing herbal note, while the shaved parmesan and crunchy walnuts provide a satisfying textural contrast. Overall, this salad is a beautiful and flavorful way to showcase the best of spring's bounty.

Enhance Your Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for balancing the freshness of the shaved spring vegetable salad.

Grilled Vegetable Platter: An assortment of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, to complement the light and refreshing flavors of the shaved spring vegetable salad.

Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken: Juicy and flavorful grilled chicken marinated in a citrusy marinade, adding a protein element to the meal and enhancing the overall dining experience with the shaved spring vegetable salad.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette before grilling them to perfection on skewers.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Combine ripe mango, creamy avocado, and a kick of jalapeno for a refreshing and flavorful salsa to serve with tortilla chips or over grilled fish.

Butternut Squash Soup: Roast the butternut squash to bring out its natural sweetness, then blend it with warm spices and a touch of cream for a comforting and velvety soup.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake: Create a luscious and tangy cheesecake with a burst of fresh blueberries and a zesty lemon flavor, perfect for a special dessert.

Perfect Pairings: Main Courses and Desserts to Serve with Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce: Grilled salmon fillets with a tangy lemon dill sauce, served with a side of roasted vegetables and quinoa.

Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil: Creamy mushroom risotto drizzled with aromatic truffle oil, accompanied by a mixed green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a fresh strawberry topping. A classic dessert that never fails to impress.

Why trust this Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad Recipe:

This recipe uses fresh, seasonal vegetables and a light, flavorful dressing to enhance their natural flavors. The use of lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note, while extra-virgin olive oil provides a rich and smooth texture. The addition of mint brings a refreshing and herbaceous element to the dish. The parmesan cheese and walnuts offer a delightful crunch and nuttiness. The careful instructions for shaving the vegetables ensure a delicate and elegant presentation. Overall, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a trustworthy and delightful choice for a spring vegetable salad.

Share your thoughts on the Shaved Spring Vegetable Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

Can I substitute any of the vegetables in the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables with your favorites. You can use zucchini, cucumber, or even bell peppers for a different twist.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can shave the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time. However, I recommend tossing the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.

How can I make this salad more filling?

To make the salad more filling, you can add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also toss in some cooked quinoa or couscous for a heartier dish.

Can I omit the nuts from the recipe?

Of course! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use nuts, you can omit them from the recipe without compromising the overall flavor of the salad.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the parmesan cheese or using a dairy-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.