Skip to main content

Asparagus and String Bean Salad with Basil

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

Coarse salt
8 ounces green beans, trimmed
8 ounces yellow wax beans, trimmed
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
1/4 cup small fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
1/4 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese (3/4 ounce)
1/4 teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt. Cook the green beans and wax beans until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans to the ice-water bath. Drain; transfer to a large bowl.

    Step 2

    Cook the asparagus in boiling water until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Transfer the asparagus to the ice-water bath. Drain; cut into 3-inch pieces. Add to the beans. Add the shallot and basil.

    Step 3

    Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together the vinegar, cheese, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the oil in a medium bowl until sugar has dissolved. Season with pepper.

    Step 4

    Add the vinaigrette to the vegetable mixture; toss. Refrigerate in an airtight container (or store in a chilled cooler) until ready to serve, up to 2 hours. Garnish with basil.

The cookbook cover with a blue background and fine typeface.
Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.