Raw Asparagus Salad with Walnuts & Parmesan
This is a great recipe to use any stale bread you may have lying around. Try this nutty and bright salad on your next early summer picnic!
Recipe
Servings: 2-4 people
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
1/2 cup walnuts
1 lb. asparagus, tough bottoms trimmed
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
1/4–1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Zest from 1 lemon
Juice from 1 to 2 lemons to yield 1/4 cup
1/4 cup lightly packed mint leaves (optional)
1/4 cup of olive oil
For the Breadcrumbs
a large hunk of bread, to yield 1.5 to 2 cups lightly packed fresh crumbs, see notes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
To make the crumbs: Place day-old bread in the food processor and whiz until fine. Measure out 1.5 to 2 cups of crumbs. Heat the 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the crumbs and the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crumbs are golden brown. This could take 5 to 15 minutes (or longer) depending on your heat level. If you have the time, go slowly to prevent burning. When the crumbs are nice and golden, turn off the heat. Let cool briefly. Taste. Add more salt if necessary. Measure out 1/3 cup of the crumbs — this is the amount the original recipe calls for. You can use more if you wish.
To toast the walnuts: Place the walnuts in a medium skillet. Set the skillet over low heat. Allow the walnuts to toast slowly while you prepare the salad. Remove them from the heat when they smell and look toasty. You can chop them on a cutting board or by gently crushing them in a tea towel.
Prepare the asparagus: Using a sharp knife, slice the asparagus thinly on the bias.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the toasted walnuts, the 1/3 cup (or more!) toasted bread crumbs, the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, the crushed red pepper flakes (starting with 1/4 teaspoon if you are sensitive to heat), salt and pepper to taste, the zest of the lemon, and the lemon juice. Stir to combine. Add the asparagus and toss to combine. Taste and adjust to taste by adding more salt, pepper, chile flakes, or lemon juice. “When the flavors are bright and delicious, add the mint (if using) and 1/4 cup olive oil.” Toss to combine. Taste and adjust the flavors again if necessary.
Recipe Notes
Ingredients to prep ahead: No food processor, no problem! It will take some more time but you can always rip up the bread in small pieces by hand.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your nuts! Due to the healthy fats in most nuts- once they start smelling toasty they can burn moments later.
