Tomato Topped Asparagus
Fresh asparagus topped with juicy chopped tomatoes and drizzled with a tangy basil vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or elegant side dishes for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine basil, olive oil, cider vinegar, salt, sugar, and pepper in a jar. Cover tightly and shake vigorously to make the vinaigrette.
- Place asparagus in a vegetable steamer over boiling water, cover, and steam for 4 to 6 minutes until tender.
- Arrange the steamed asparagus on a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped tomato.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette mixture over the asparagus and tomato before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the vinaigrette, feel free to substitute white wine vinegar for cider vinegar if preferred. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also work well in place of basil. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut asparagus. Ensure the asparagus is bright green and crisp when selecting. Steaming is key to maintaining its vibrant color and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. You might also serve it alongside a grain salad or a Mediterranean dish like *Dough For Pita. For a complete vegetarian option, consider adding a side of quinoa or couscous to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover asparagus and vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The asparagus will keep for up to 3 days, while the vinaigrette can last for about a week. To reheat, gently steam the asparagus again for a couple of minutes to warm it up without losing texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Topped Asparagus contains roughly 24 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1176mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
While fresh asparagus is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before steaming, as frozen vegetables can release excess moisture.
What other toppings can I add to the asparagus?
In addition to chopped tomato, consider adding crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, or even sliced olives for extra flavor and texture. These toppings can enhance the dish and make it even more satisfying.
How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly, as it does not contain any animal products. Just ensure that the vinaigrette ingredients are checked for any non-vegan additives, and enjoy this refreshing dish as part of your vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).