Asparagus Panzanella Salad

Asparagus panzanella is a unique spring time take on a traditional summer salad. You’ll love this delightful salad of crisp asparagus, homemade croutons, fresh mint, and feta cheese!

Anyone else ready for spring? I sure am! Already, the robins are returning and the trees are budding, welcome harbingers of spring. The longer days allow an after dinner stroll and it seems as if nature is holding its breath, ready to burst into spring. 

Invite spring into your home with this asparagus panzanella salad! Asparagus is an early spring crop, spears slowly emerging from the barren ground, dark green and stately. And it’s oh so tasty and tender. A special treat for sure.

While panzanella is traditionally a summer salad made with ripe red tomatoes, I’m bringing you a panzanella that celebrates spring with green asparagus, fresh green mint leaves, and green parsley. Notice a repetition there? Green, green, green! A color we’ve been missing all winter. 

Welcome spring with asparagus panzanella! I promise you won’t miss the tomatoes a bit. Be patient, tomatoes, you’ll get your turn soon. 

About this Asparagus Panzanella:

You may be wondering about panzanella. What exactly is it? Traditionally a Tuscan chopped salad, panzanella is made of stale bread chunks, sliced onions, and ripe tomatoes, soaked in a vinegar/olive oil dressing. It’s a thrifty and delicious way to use leftover bread, which may be a little hard and crusty but still perfectly edible, especially when made into a panzanella.

I’ve been making homemade croutons using dry bread for ages – once you try them, you won’t ever go back to store bought croutons. I give the croutons a starring role in this asparagus panzanella. The croutons can be made ahead of time or right before you make the salad. Either way is fine. 

The vinaigrette dressing for this salad is also homemade. I like to use red wine vinaigrette which is a breeze to whip up. Make it before you get started on the rest of the salad.

Look for a nice fresh bunch of asparagus at the market. It should be crisp and green, not limp or wrinkly. It’s pretty plentiful in the spring and usually on sale. Enjoy it while it’s available, the season is pretty short. 

Get a pot of water boiling on the stove and prepare the asparagus. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus spears. If you haven’t done this before, simply hold one stalk in your hands and snap off the bottom end where it naturally breaks. Sometimes you’ll snap off a pretty big piece, other times hardly anything. You’ll get a feel for it quickly. Discard the end; it will be woody and tough. Cut the asparagus spears into bite sized pieces and blanch in the boiling water briefly.

You’re ready to put the salad together! In a large bowl, combine half of  the croutons, asparagus, red onions, mint and parsley leaves, and feta cheese. Pour in half of the vinaigrette and stir. Add more croutons and dressing as desired. 

Enjoy your spring time asparagus panzanella! My mouth is watering just thinking about this salad.

How to make this salad your own:

• Panzanella is naturally vegetarian friendly but if you want to make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a non-dairy substitute.  
• Use a vinaigrette of your choice, either store bought or homemade. Red wine vinaigrette is traditional but feel free to use what you like best.
• Instead of croutons, substitute dry bread, torn or cut into cubes. 

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Food prep hint: Prepare the components of the panzanella ahead of time. Make the croutons and, after cooling thoroughly, store in a tightly covered container for up to a week. Make the vinaigrette a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Allow to come to room temp before using and shake well. The asparagus could be blanched, chilled, and stored in the refrigerator a day in advance.

Once you mix the salad, it’s best eaten immediately.

If there are leftovers, cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for a day. The bread in the salad will be a little softer, possibly a bit mushy, but the taste will be fine.

Other delicious spring salad recipes:

Welcome spring with more salads! Try one of these delicious recipes:

 

• Spring Salad with Rosé Vinaigrette, Asparagus, and Grapefruit
• Spring Orzo Salad with Arugula, Asparagus, and Pine Nuts
• Kale Salad with Avocado and Cumin Lime Dressing
• Asparagus Ribbon Salad with Beets and Burrata
• Citrus Salad with Mint, Honey, and Lime