Sometimes simple is best. When you have the great flavors of tomatoes, asparagus and some good quality cheese, it really doesn’t get any better than that so why fool around with it. We just need some onions and fresh herbs in there and you’ve got yourself a big bowl of fresh deliciousness.
The best thing about this dish is the local, fresh picked asparagus from Barrie Hill Farms. Aren’t they just beautiful? It was hard to resist the urge to scoop them all up. There was a beautiful selection of fresh herbs as well and basil seemed like the logical choice.
I love heirloom tomatoes because they make such colorful dishes. I ask you – is there anything better than a newly ripened tomato? I don’t think so!
I used gorgonzola cheese but if you’re not a fan, feta will do just fine. I had thought avocado would go well with this and I brought some home but completely forgot to add them! I think it’s because I secretly hate cutting up avocados because I can never get the pieces to look right – it all comes out looking like a mess! Tomatoes and avocados are one of the first dishes I made for the blog. If you would like a chuckle, check out this old recipe and photo.
Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. It is also packed with antioxidants, ranking among the top fruits and vegetables for its ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. This, according to research, may help slow the aging process.
You can be as creative as you want with your dressing but, like the salad, I wanted to keep it simple. Extra virgin olive oil, Dijon, lemon and some salt and pepper made the flavors pop in this dish. Asparagus tomato salad will be a hit with friends and family any time and it’s so quick to throw together. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Cheers! I am sharing this recipe with these beautiful bloggers.
- 1 pound of asparagus, washed and trimmed
- 5 cups of tomatoes – grape, cherry, heirloom – your choice
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ½ cup gorgonzola or feta cheese (omit for vegan)
- 1 cup basil leaves, slice the larger ones
- Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Boil asparagus for 2 minutes, drain and rinse in cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Combine asparagus with tomatoes, onion, gorgonzola and basil leaves.
- Combine dressing ingredients and drizzle over salad.
16 Comments
Anita Rivera
May 19, 2015 at 4:47 pmhello my friend! I just got home from work and I am HUNGRY, as usual. Your wonderful pictures are just inviting to me and those asparagus are collossal and GORGEOUS! Do you ever use white asparagus? Your fresh recipes are just what I need and want and thank you so much for offering such healthy choices. Now, what to make to devour…
Robyn
May 20, 2015 at 5:10 amHi Anita,
I know you’re a great cook so I’d love to see what you cook up when you’re super hungry, lol. Aren’t those asparagus just so fabulous? I get so excited at the farm because everything is so fresh and beautiful. Such a wonderful change from trying to pick over the tired looking produce at the big grocery chain stores.
Thanks for always being the first to comment with your kind words!
Robyn recently posted…Asparagus Tomato Salad with Gorgonzola
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl
May 19, 2015 at 5:30 pmThis is honestly my favorite kind of salad – packed with veggies prepared simply so their flavor can SHINE. Beautifully done, my friend!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl recently posted…Shrimp and Green Mango Salad
Robyn
May 20, 2015 at 5:11 amThanks so much, Marissa. I am blown away by your beautiful dish this week. Inspiring!
Robyn recently posted…Asparagus Tomato Salad with Gorgonzola
Christin @ Blue Crab Martini
May 19, 2015 at 9:24 pmAll I can say is YUM, YUM, YUM!!! I love simple, tasty, fresh from the garden dishes and this looks beautiful! Pinned!
Christin @ Blue Crab Martini recently posted…Blackberry Basil Bijou – a gin cocktail
Robyn
May 20, 2015 at 5:13 amHi Christin,
Thanks so much! Your gin cocktail has me looking forward to Friday happy hour, lol. Don’t you love this time of year when all the yummy veggies and fruits are local and fresh?
Robyn recently posted…Asparagus Tomato Salad with Gorgonzola
Bam's Kitchen
May 19, 2015 at 11:15 pmWow! That first photo is just amazing, your photography is beautiful. You have come a long way girl! I love fresh produce. When it is this good, it does not need much help to make it taste amazing. Sharing and Pinning all around, of course.
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…3 Cheese Spinach Ravioli and Sage Butter Sauce
Robyn
May 20, 2015 at 5:16 amLOL, thanks, Bobbi, but I find the photography is like a rollercoaster. I’m never quite sure how the shot is going to turn out. It’s getting better but it’s still painful at times, lol.
I agree- these beautiful veggies say it all, don’t they?
Your ravioli is over the top amazing!
Robyn recently posted…Asparagus Tomato Salad with Gorgonzola
Linda
May 20, 2015 at 9:27 amRobyn, your photos look amazing! They look so appetizing, colorful and vivid. I want to eat this dish right now. Healthy and full of nutrients. I hope your week is going well. have a terrific weekend with your Man…LOL Lots of love to you my friend. xo
Linda recently posted…Master Bedroom Update
Robyn
May 22, 2015 at 6:16 amThanks so much, Linda! I think when it’s your very favorite food, it’s easier to photograph, lol. Things are busy here but great. We had our long weekend last weekend. Enjoy your holiday, Wonder Woman. Gorgeous bedroom!
Robyn recently posted…Elk Stir Fry
John/Kitchen Riffs
May 20, 2015 at 12:27 pmLove the light on the photos! Love the recipe too — such nice, simple flavors, but with so much taste! Really good stuff — thanks.
John/Kitchen Riffs recently posted…Pepper Coleslaw with Garlic Vinaigrette
Robyn
May 22, 2015 at 6:17 amThanks so much, John. I’m all about keeping it simple most days. Appreciate the visit 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Elk Stir Fry
Marla
May 25, 2015 at 9:11 amHi Robyn,
I agree sometimes simple is best and this salad sounds wonderful. Fresh vegetables, filled with so much color and a wealth of healthy. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Friday #89 – Summertime Time Fun With Real Food
Miz Helen
May 27, 2015 at 9:46 amI love the combination of veggies for your salad Robyn, and the Gorgonzola will just top it off, yum! Thanks so much for sharing your post with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are having a great day and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Miz Helen recently posted…Cheese Burger and Fries Casserole
Fresh and Easy...#FoodieFriDIY # 48 - Girl and the Kitchen
May 28, 2015 at 8:00 pm[…] salads, one of them being a simple tomato and basil salad which reminds me very much of this Asparagus Tomato and Gorgonzola salad. Freshly picked veggies served in their prime time is hard to […]
Stephanie
May 31, 2015 at 11:10 pmMmmm… This sounds so good and refreshing! I love asparagus and Gorgonzola….well, I don’t think I’ve ever had it. I love how you share new things with me, my friend. You are a sweet and beautiful inspiration. Have a wonderful week! Hugs!