30-Minute Grilled Nectarine White Asparagus Salad
A vibrant summer salad featuring grilled white asparagus and sweet nectarines tossed with butter lettuce and creamy avocado. The warm grilled vegetables contrast beautifully with fresh fruit, while a tangy date syrup vinaigrette adds Middle Eastern flair. Perfect for outdoor entertaining or as a light lunch when stone fruits are at their peak.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, stems broken off
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 ounces butter lettuce
- 3 nectarines, slicedpeaches1:1vegetarian
very similar stone fruit
- 2 purple onions, sliced
- 3 scallions, sliced into 5 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons Bartenura Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard, optional
- ½ cup Bartenura Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Heaven & Earth Date Syruphoney1:1vegetarian
slightly different flavor profile
- 2 tablespoons Tuscany spice blend
- ½ cup Kedem White Wine Vinegar
Instructions
- 1
Add onions, scallions and asparagus to salad bowl and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, mix well
- 2
Prepare grill pan on high heat and add vegetable mixture, grill for 7 minutes mixing once
- 3
Remove from grill and return to bowl
- 4
Add lettuce, nectarines and avocados to grilled vegetables
- 5
Combine remaining olive oil, vinegar, spice blend, date syrup and mustard in jar and shake well
- 6
Pour dressing over salad right before serving
Tips
Break asparagus stems at natural point where they snap easily to remove tough woody ends
Grill vegetables first while firm, then add delicate lettuce and fruit to prevent wilting
Shake dressing vigorously and dress salad immediately before serving to prevent soggy greens
Good to Know
Refrigerate dressed salad up to 2 hours. Store components separately up to 1 day.
Grill vegetables up to 4 hours ahead. Prepare dressing up to 2 days ahead.
Serve immediately after dressing to prevent wilting.
Common Mistakes
Dress salad too early to avoid soggy lettuce
Overcook asparagus to avoid mushy texture
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
same preparation
FAQ
Can I make this without grilling?
Yes, blanch asparagus in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender, or serve raw if very fresh and thin.
What if I cannot find date syrup?
Substitute with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar in equal amounts for similar sweetness and consistency.
How long will leftovers keep?
Best eaten fresh, but undressed components keep refrigerated up to 2 days. Dress only what you plan to eat immediately.