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Home » Recipes » Salads

Watercress, radish and asparagus salad

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asparagus salad on ceramic plate
asparagus, watercress and radish salad on ceramic plate
watercress, radish and asparagus salad on plate

Perfectly seasonal, this tasty radish, watercress and asparagus salad makes the most of spring ingredients. Served with a lemony dressing.

asparagus salad on plate

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Asparagus has to be near the top of the list of my favourite vegetables. Although purple and white asparagus is common in Europe, in the UK we usually eat green asparagus.

The British asparagus season is fairly short. It lasts from roughly late April to late June.

Because it isn't around long I try to eat as much asparagus as possible during late spring.

And while it's delicious on its own as a side, it's even better combined with other seasonal ingredients.

Which is exactly what I've done in this asparagus salad recipe. Bright pink radish, pepper watercress, spring onions and parsley complement the asparagus perfectly.

asparagus salad on brown plate

What does asparagus taste like?

Asparagus has a distinct taste that is completely unique.

Some people compare it to broccoli or green beans. But I think it tastes quite different. Delicious, but different.

Choose young asparagus spears for a milder, fresher taste. Older asparagus is still good to eat but can have a slightly bitter - but not unpleasant - taste.

asparagus salad on plate

Five things you (probably) didn’t know about asparagus

  1. You probably know that asparagus makes your wee smell but did you know that some people can’t smell it? 
  2. Asparagus takes three years to produce its first harvest.
  3. It used to be known as sparrowgrass. 
  4. You can buy a special asparagus pan*, which allows you to boil the stems and leave the tips to steam.
  5. Asparagus has been eaten for thousands of years. It was enjoyed by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.

Ingredients for asparagus salad

ingredients for asparagus salad

For the salad 

  • 200g asparagus
  • 150g radishes
  • 2 spring onions
  • 100g watercress
  • Small handful flat leaf parsley

For the dressing 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • salt and pepper

Substitutions

  • Swap the watercress for rocket, baby spinach or any green salad leaves
  • Leave the radishes out if you don't like them
  • Use fresh mint instead of parsley

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Chopping board
  • Small pan
  • Salad bowl
  • Small bowl or jug for dressing
  • Lemon squeezer
spring salad with asparagus, watercress and radish

Serving suggestions

  • A delicious side dish for any spring or summer meal
  • Healthy light lunch at home or in a lunch box
  • Great at a barbecue
  • Delicious with fresh bread and herbed Jersey royals (new potatoes) 
  • Add chickpeas or lentils for some extra protein

Special diets

This asparagus salad is suitable for:

  • vegans
  • vegetarians
  • gluten free diet
asparagus salad on ceramic plate

More asparagus recipes you might like 

  • Couscous, asparagus and broad bean salad
  • Tomato asparagus pasta
  • 12 vegan asparagus recipes
  • Pea and asparagus salad
  • How to cook asparagus

Or you might like these roasted radishes or this grilled aubergine salad.

Pin watercress, radish and asparagus salad for later

asparagus salad on ceramic plate

How to make asparagus salad

How to cook asparagus

Asparagus can be boiled or steamed until just tender.

However, I prefer to cook it in a covered frying pan with just a few spoonfuls of water as below.

asparagus in pan
  1. Cook in a covered frying pan over a low heat with two tablespoons of water until soft. This should take about five minutes or less depending on the size and age of your asparagus.
  2. Remove from the pan and allow to cool.

To make the asparagus salad

ingredients for asparagus salad in bowl

1. Mix the watercress, radish, spring onions and flat leaf parsley with the cooked asparagus spears.

salad dressing in small blue and white bowl

2. Beat together the olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

asparagus salad in bowl

3. Drizzle over the salad, mix well and serve.

If you have made this recipe and loved it please consider leaving a comment and rating below.

Please do not reproduce this recipe without permission.

spring salad with asparagus, watercress and radish

Watercress, radish and asparagus salad

Perfectly seasonal, this tasty radish, watercress and asparagus salad makes the most of spring ingredients. Served with a lemony dressing.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Salad
Cuisine British
Servings 2
Calories 181 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 200 g asparagus* cut into three on the diagonal
  • 150 g radishes topped and tailed and thinly sliced
  • 2 spring onions finely chopped
  • 100 g watercress
  • Small handful flat leaf parsley finely chopped

For the dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the sliced asparagus in a pan of boiling water until just soft, or in a covered frying pan over a low heat with two tablespoons of water until soft. Drain and allow to cool.
  • Mix with the watercress, radish, spring onions and flat leaf parsley.
  • Beat together the olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle over the salad and serve.

Notes

  1. Discard the thick ends of your asparagus spears if they're thick and woody.
  2. Nutritional information is approximate and is intended as a guide only.

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 55mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2488IUVitamin C: 69mgCalcium: 126mgIron: 3mg
Keyword asparagus salad
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Comments

  1. Nicola Taylor

    June 24, 2021 at 11:06 am

    5 stars
    Gorgeous, fresh, vibrant and tasty. Definately a favourite.

    Reply
    • Cook Veggielicious

      June 24, 2021 at 1:04 pm

      Thanks so much Nicola - it's one of my favourites too and I'm so glad that you enjoyed this.

      Reply

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