Bright Spring Salad (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 bunch asparagus, tender parts, chopped into 1-inch pieces
02 - ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
03 - A few handfuls salad greens
04 - 2 radishes, thinly sliced
05 - ½ avocado, pitted and diced

→ Protein & Dairy

06 - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
07 - ½ cup roasted chickpeas

→ Nuts & Garnishes

08 - ¼ cup chopped toasted pistachios
09 - Fresh herbs for garnish (basil, mint and/or chives)
10 - Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

→ Dressing

11 - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, or a mix of basil and mint leaves
12 - 1 small garlic clove
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
14 - ½ teaspoon lemon zest
15 - 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
16 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as desired
17 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and set a bowl of ice water nearby. Blanch the asparagus for about 1 minute, or until tender but still bright green. Transfer to the ice water for 1 minute, then drain. Allow the asparagus to dry and transfer it back to the bowl and add the peas.
02 - In a food processor, pulse together the basil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Season to taste, adding more oil as desired.
03 - Add half of the dressing to the bowl with the asparagus and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
04 - Arrange the salad greens on a platter, then layer the asparagus/pea mixture, the radishes, feta, avocado, pistachios, chickpeas, and herbs on top. Drizzle with the remaining dressing, season to taste with more salt and pepper, and serve.

# Handy Tips:

01 - This spring salad is a perfect light meal or side dish. Filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zippy vinaigrette, it's simple, bright, and delicious.