It’s no secret that I love asparagus. It’s one of my favorite vegetables, mainly because I’m very lazy and it’s incredibly fast and easy to cook. This Asparagus Salad with Aged Cheddar and Almonds might be my new favorite side dish!

This simple salad is ridiculously good. My friends and I could not stop eating it at my spring garden lunch! I served this chilled but you could absolutely serve it warm. Aged cheddar, sliced almonds, fresh dill, and a fabulous mustard shallot vinaigrette are the perfect complements to tender spring asparagus.

You can steam the asparagus if you prefer but I love grilled asparagus because it still has a bit of bite. This dish would also be fabulous with cherry tomatoes and fresh oregano or even a bit of mint if you’re feeling adventurous.

If you’re in a side dish rut and want something you can make in ten minutes that feels incredible fancy, you’ve got to try this delicious recipe.

Asparagus Salad with Aged Cheddar and Almonds

2 pounds asparagus (2 bunches)
1-2 Tbsp olive oil
2 oz aged cheddar, crumbled
1-2 Tbsp sliced almonds
1 Tbsp fresh dill
Mustard Shallot Vinaigrette, recipe follows

1. Snap the ends off of asparagus spears and discard the woody part. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Cut asparagus spears into 3-4 pieces.
2. Make Mustard Shallot Vinaigrette and toss with asparagus, aged cheddar, sliced almonds, and fresh dill. Chill until ready to serve.

Mustard Shallot Vinaigrette

Zest of 1 small lemon
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp minced shallot

1. Whisk together fresh lemon juice, the zest of one lemon and Dijon mustard until smooth. Slowly whisk in olive oil, then add salt, pepper, and minced shallot.