Courgette and asparagus salad

Tips: Perfect your courgette and asparagus salad

Bring out the vibrant flavours of your courgette and asparagus salad with our useful tips.

Achieve perfect griddle marks

To give your asparagus and courgette those attractive griddle marks and a consistent char, avoid filling your griddle pan too much. Cook the vegetables in batches to give each piece enough room to touch the hot surface of the pan. This contact is essential for getting those distinctive, flavour-enhancing char lines. Brush your vegetables with oil before placing them on the griddle, and turn them now and then. This prevents sticking and ensures they cook evenly on all sides. A very hot pan is crucial, so let your griddle heat up completely before adding your vegetables for the best results.

Even courgette slices

A mandolin slicer or a vegetable peeler is ideal for evenly thin courgette slices. These help you achieve consistent slices that cook uniformly and mix well with the salad’s other ingredients. Evenly sliced courgettes not only look better but also absorb the olive oil and lemon juice better.

Try our griddled courgette and asparagus salad

Enjoy our simple recipe for griddled courgette and asparagus salad. Throw the fresh vegetables on the pan and relish the lovely, charred look and subtle smoky flavours. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and is a great go-to option if you want fresh, earthy flavours to complement your main course. Topped with fresh rocket leaves, spicy red chilli, and a zesty lemon finish, this salad with asparagus and courgette will undoubtedly tickle your taste buds.

With fresh rocket and spicy red chilli

While the courgette and asparagus provide an earthy base, the fresh rocket brings a peppery sharpness to the salad. They help cut through the mild sweetness of the grilled vegetable, adding a vibrant touch. Mix in the finely chopped chilli to add a delightful heat. It adds a nice contrast to the other vegetables and the creamy white cheese.

Dressed with zesty lemon juice and extra virgin oil

The zesty lemon binds the courgette and asparagus salad together with its bright flavours. The acidity of the lemon juice allows for a lovely contrast against the grilled vegetables and creamy white cheese. In addition, the extra olive oil has a lovely velvety texture that coats the salad components beautifully.

Quick and easy side dish

This salad is light and fresh and makes an excellent companion to rich main courses like grilled meats or roasted fish. You can serve it alongside our  delicious grilled salmon salad. With savoury dishes such as these, the salad can shine with its contrasting, refreshing flavours. Its griddled, smoky touch also makes it a great choice for outdoor dining and barbecues.

Tasty paneer skewers, maple Brussels sprouts, and roasted winter vegetables are all wonderful options you can serve alongside the courgette and asparagus salad.

Get creative with the recipe

Change your courgette and asparagus salad depending on the vegetables you have at hand. In autumn and winter, add warmth with roasted parsnips or sweet potatoes. For spring and summer, choose fresh options like sugar snap peas or tender broccoli for a crisp bite. You can also play around with textures and add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy bite. They will also provide a mild nutty flavour that works well with the other ingredients.