Chopped asparagus salad with smashed pita chips

Looking for a light and fresh asparagus salad? This one is perfect. It’s packed with silky-sweet roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, a lip-smacking vinaigrette, and for the ultimate secret ingredient: smashed pita chips.

I have the unfortunate ability to remember every meal that I’ve ever eaten.

Perhaps you can relate?

It’s a curse really. My brain is riddled with recipes. Chances are, if I’ve ever dined with you, I’ll remember what you ate too.

So years ago, I had a version of this asparagus salad at a restaurant, and it was delicious. A bag of pita chips (Stacy’s to be exact) triggered my memory and then this little creation was born.

How to Make Asparagus Salad

Step #1: Grill Asparagus

For the base, I’m using fat asparagus stalks.

They’re perfect for grilling, and I prefer theme to the skinny ones. It’s still too cold to grill outside, so I used my trusty old griddle pan to get the job done. That char-grilled flavor is worth smoking out the kitchen.

Step #2: Chop Peppers

Roasted peppers also make an appearance in this dish.

I usually have 1 or 2 jars lying around in my pantry. Oh wait, I don’t have a pantry. I have jam packed, stuffed to the brim cabinets. That’s where they live.

See how I use them here + here.

Step #3: Add Mozzarella

And then for my latest find, fresh mozzarella pearls.

I’ve never seen these pearls before in my life! For that reason, you probably won’t be able to find them either. It was a chance find in a grocery store that I never, ever shop in.

They’re super cute, just the right size, and taste just as good as they look.

Whole chopped mozzarella will work too.

Too cute, right? Told you.

Oh, and the pita chips! You know, the crunchy smashed bits I forgot to photograph?

Obviously the star of the show, here. I’m telling you, they are the best thing that has ever happened to a chopped asparagus salad.

Tips:

• If you don’t keep an eye on them, it is very easy to overcook asparagus. It is best to undercook them slightly as they will continue to cook once removed from the grill. 
• Everything can be prepped in advance, including the vinaigrette up to 2 days.
• I like to use Stacy’s Pita Chips or Trader Joe’s brand. 

Chopped asparagus salad with smashed pita chips

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 3 reviews

• Author: Emilie Raffa adapted from Bobby Flay
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 1x
• Category: Salads

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Description

Looking for a light and fresh asparagus salad? This one is perfect. It’s packed with silky-sweet roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, a lip-smacking vinaigrette, and for the ultimate secret ingredient: smashed pita chips.

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Ingredients

Vinaigrette

¼ c. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. honey

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

¼ garlic clove

½ c. olive oil

Salad

1 bunch medium- fat asparagus stalks

1x 14 oz. can of chickpeas

½ c. diced roasted peppers (I used red + yellow)

¾ c. fresh mozzarella ‘pearls’ or whole mozzarella diced

olive oil

salt + pepper

Garnish

2 handfuls of pita chips (I used Stacy’s brand)

½ c. crumbled goat cheese

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Instructions

To make the vinaigrette, add all of the ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Trim the woody ends off of the asparagus. Add the stalks to a large bowl and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Season with salt + pepper.

Warm a griddle pan or outdoor grill over moderate heat. Grill the asparagus until crisp tender, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on how thick they are. Transfer to a cutting board and dice into 1/2 inch pieces. *See note below.

Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Set aside. Remove the roasted peppers from the jar and pat dry with paper towels to remove the extra moisture. Dice into 1/2 inch pieces.

To a large salad bowl, add the asparagus, chickpeas, and peppers. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Right before serving, add the mozzarella and crumbled goat cheese. Gently smash the pita chips and crumble over the top.

Serve with extra vinaigrette on the side.

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Notes

* If you don’t keep an eye on them, it is very easy to overcook asparagus. It is best to undercook them slightly as they will continue to cook once removed from the grill.