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Vibrant Spring Panzanella with Asparagus and Radishes

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A fresh and colorful spring salad featuring crisp radishes, tender asparagus, juicy tomatoes, and toasted country bread tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for light lunches or easy dinners celebrating seasonal produce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 12–15 spears), trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces
  • 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups crusty country bread, cubed
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cube 4 cups of day-old country bread into 1-inch pieces. Spread on a baking sheet and toast for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
  2. Trim woody ends off asparagus and cut into 1½-inch pieces. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, blanch asparagus for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Transfer immediately to ice water to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
  3. Thinly slice radishes and halve cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice red onion if using. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, blanched asparagus, radishes, tomatoes, and red onion. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat. Let rest for about 10 minutes to allow bread to soak up flavors.
  6. Just before serving, fold in torn fresh basil leaves.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra vinegar if desired.

Notes

Toast the bread properly to prevent sogginess. Use an ice bath for asparagus to keep vibrant color and crisp texture. Let the salad rest 10-15 minutes after tossing to allow flavors to meld and bread to soften without becoming mushy. Adjust seasoning at the end for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring salad, panzanella, asparagus salad, radish salad, fresh salad, vegetarian, gluten-free option, easy recipe, healthy lunch

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/vibrant-spring-panzanella-recipe-with-asparagus-and-radishes-easy-guide/