Asparagus, Roasted Onion and Balsamic Tomato Salad
Need A Leafy Salad but Not Sure How to Make It Dinner Party Worthy? We Show You How to Elevate Those Leaves with This Balsamic Tomato Salad Mixed Through with Sweet Roasted Onions and Crunchy Asparagus.
Start with this component first as we need the garlic to infuse for 30 minutes. Whilst that is infusing, you can use the time to prepare the salad.
In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp of olive oil, 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp of Dijon mustard and 1 smashed garlic clove until well combined.
Let it sit for 30 minutes so the garlic is infused into the dressing.
Salad
Cut the red onion into 6 wedges. Remove the base so the layers of the onion will naturally come apart. In a small mixing bowl, coat with 2 tsp of olive oil. Place on a baking tray and put into the oven at 180°C or 360°F for 30 minutes. At the halfway mark, remove the tray and give it a bit of a shake to turn some of the onion so they are roasted evenly.
Snap the asparagus off at the ends to remove the woody parts. Slice the asparagus diagonally. Blanch in a pot of boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and run under cold running water. Set aside to dry on some paper towels.
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. In a small mixing bowl, coat the cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and 1 tsp of olive oil. On low heat, put the coated tomatoes on a pan and cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Continually toss the pan so the tomatoes are evenly cooked and to prevent it from over cooking. Set aside to cool.
Toast the nigella seeds in a pan for about 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Assembly
In a large serving platter, place half the mixed leaves, snow pea sprouts, balsamic tomatoes, roasted red onions and asparagus.
Sprinkle half the toasted nigella seeds and pour half the dressing over salad.
Season with salt and pepper.
Repeat this process for the second half of the ingredients over the assembled first half.
Season with salt and pepper again and serve immediately.
Notes
A great nigella seeds substitute is celery seeds. You can also use black sesame seeds and although the flavour is not the same, it will work.
Asparagus not in season? You can use green beans.
An alternative to snow pea sprouts is mung bean sprouts or even alfalfa.
When you’re getting your mixed leaves, try and grab some of the radicchio to give it those vibrant purple colours. Yes, I’m one of those people! LOL!