Shaved Asparagus Lemon Parmesan (Printer-Friendly)

Asparagus ribbons blend with lemon, Parmesan, and pine nuts for a crisp, refreshing Mediterranean dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
02 - 2 cups arugula or baby spinach, optional

→ Dressing

03 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
05 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Cheese & Garnish

08 - 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts, optional

# Direction Steps:

01 - Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus stalks lengthwise into thin ribbons. Discard tough ends.
02 - Place shaved asparagus and arugula or baby spinach in a large salad bowl.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
04 - Pour dressing over the asparagus mixture. Toss gently to combine and ensure all vegetables are evenly coated.
05 - Arrange salad on a serving platter. Top with shaved Parmesan and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts if desired.
06 - Serve immediately to optimize freshness and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lemony dressing is so zippy, you might find yourself licking the bowl after tossing the salad.
  • The meltingly tender asparagus ribbons marry perfectly with nutty Parmesan, making each bite packed with flavor.
02 -
  • If asparagus stalks aren't fresh and firm, shaving them gets frustrating and they lose their crunch.
  • The first time I skipped the honey, the salad was overly tangy—never underestimate the magic of sweetness in balancing acidity.
03 -
  • Dressing the salad just before serving keeps the asparagus lively rather than limp.
  • A quick taste before plating lets you adjust seasoning and make every batch your own.
Go Back