Easy Shaved Asparagus Salad Recipe with Pecorino Romano

This easy Shaved Asparagus Salad is so simple to prepare! Raw shaved asparagus and salty pecorino Romano cheese tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette and finished with a sprinkle of Italian flat leaf parsley. So simple, so delicious and perfect for spring! 

Shaved Asparagus Salad is so simple to prepare! This spring salad includes raw shaved asparagus and salty pecorino Romano cheese tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette and finished with a sprinkle of Italian flat leaf parsley. It's a beautiful Italian- style salad perfect for asparagus season! 

In my humble opinion, this salad is one of the tastiest ways to enjoy one of spring's finest offerings. Shaved into paper thin strips, fresh, raw asparagus is surprisingly crisp, tender and sweet. 

Combined with bright lemon juice and sharp, salty pecorino, it awakens the palate with something interesting and unconventional, yet still familiar. This is simple, seasonal food at it's best.

There are many different ways to make an asparagus salad, but this cold asparagus salad is made with uncooked asparagus. Though this roasted asparagus salad recipe with fried artichoke, pickled celery and parmesan cheese is also fantastic, the simple salad dressing and 10 minutes of prep time make this raw salad easy to enjoy on a busy weeknight. 

Serve this delicious asparagus salad alongside Chicken Milanese in lieu of the tomato arugula salad for a simple and delicious Italian dinner. Or with this Pasta alla Carbonara Recipe for a wonderful spring meal. 

Why This Recipe Works

• Made with 6 simple ingredients that perfectly highlight the flavor of the asparagus.
• The perfect side dish that's easy to make and pairs well with just about any main course.  
• Shaving the asparagus spears tones down the flavor of the asparagus just enough to convert even asparagus doubters into lovers of this delicious springtime salad. 
• Ready in 10 minutes. 

Ingredient Notes

• Shallot - Mince as finely as you can. It will be a part of the lemon juice, olive oil shallot dressing. I highly recommend a shallot, but if you must substitute, a red onion will work.  
• Fresh lemon juice - For the best flavor, squeeze your own juice, so it's nice and fresh.
• Fresh asparagus - You can find fresh asparagus in the grocery store from late March through June. Look for asparagus with thick spears. They are sweeter, more tender, less stringy and will make shaving easier. 
• Olive oil - Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. You'll be using a few tablespoons of olive oil so a high quality and tasty olive oil is preferred. 
• Pecorino Romano - Buy a block and shave in chunks in this salad. Use Locatelli or another high quality brand.
• Optional parsley - Flat leaf parsley adds a nice addition of fresh herbs and a beautiful color to this recipe.

*Full ingredient list with quantities is in the recipe card.

Helpful Equipment

• Vegetable peeler - Use a good vegetable peeler to shave asparagus into long, thin strips and to shave thin chunks of pecorino Romano on top of the salad.

Step by step instructions

1. Place the minced shallot and lemon juice in a medium to large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, and let marinate while you prepare the rest of the salad.
2. Cut the tough ends off the asparagus, then use a vegetable peeler over a cutting board to shave long, thin strips. Slowly stream the olive oil into the bowl with the shallot and lemon juice as you whisk to emulsify. Add the strips of asparagus to the bowl, then use clean hands to gently toss.
3. Plate the asparagus on a serving platter or split into 4 individual dishes. Use the peeler to shave big shards of pecorino over the top. Scatter the parsley leaves around, if desired.
4. Serve immediately. 

Tips For Success

• Choose asparagus with thick stems for this recipe. The thicker stems have a more mellow, sweeter flavor, and the pencil thin spears are nearly impossible to shave.
• I recommend storing asparagus in a tall glass of cold water, like cut flowers. They will last longer.
• Parmesan can be substituted for the pecorino, but I prefer the sharpness and saltiness of the latter.
• Eat this tasty salad fresh. Leftovers don't hold up well when stored. 

Serving Suggestions

This easy asparagus salad can be paired with any main dish for a complete meal. Here are a few recipes to pair with this delicious side dish. 

• Pair it with this Dijon Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb. With fresh lemon zest, mint, parsley and rosemary mixed with breadcrumbs and a delicious coating of Dijon mustard, this rack of lamb is an impressive restaurant quality lamb dinner. 
• Serve alongside a delicious plate of pasta topped with Italian Meatballs.
• Make this summer salad as an appetizer and serve along with these Greek Tomato Fritters. With lots of fresh ingredients and delicious feta cheese, these fritters will also be a hit.
• The fresh taste of this asparagus salad is great with this Beef Braciole. With tender beef rolled up with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and cheese, then simmered all day in a rich red wine tomato sauce, the fresh taste of the salad is a perfect match. 

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