This quick and easy Keto Warm Asparagus Bacon Salad is to die for! Take perfectly crispy bacon and combine it with fresh green asparagus and you instantly get the most delicious warm salad ever. Keto, Gluten-free, Paleo and Whole30 friendly!
This recipe celebrates the changing season!
It is so light and fresh, crunchy and creamy and salty and sweet.
It just begs to be eaten outdoors, with family and friends and is the perfect way to celebrate the upcoming springtime and Easter Holiday.
This dish is also the perfect accompaniment to any main meal.
Taking only a handful of ingredients and letting each one shine, the resulting dish is a perfectly crispy yet deliciously tender combination.
This recipe was adapted from Food 52 and made slightly easier with everyday ingredients.
If your weather has begun to change yet, you can always serve this salad with my warm The BEST Keto Dairy-Free Pumpkin Curry Soup or with my Whole30 Leftover Ham Bone Soup in the winter
It is also the perfect accompaniment to a main meal such as my Slow Cooker Beef Brisket (Whole30, Keto) or my Boneless Prime Rib recipe
So easy to make, it will completely turn your everyday salad as soon as you taste it!
What ingredients do you need to make this Warm Asparagus Bacon Salad?
- asparagus
- spring onions
- bacon
- butter
- garlic
- toasted pine nuts
- salt and pepper to taste
- OPTIONAL - Shaved Parmesan cheese or Keto Quick and Easy Microwave-Fried Onions
How do you prepare the asparagus for this salad?
- Rinse the spears under cool water to remove any grit or dirt
- Snap off the bottom inch or so using your fingers - the stems will naturally break where the tough woody part ends and the tender stem begins
- Dry the spears by rolling them between two kitchen towel
How do I know that asparagus is fresh?
Fresh asparagus stalks are firm, straight and smooth. They should be a rich green color with a small amount of white at the bottom of the spear. A dull green hue and wrinkles in the stems are an indication of old age. Also, look for asparagus that stands up straight--the stalks should not be limp.
Both Mr. Grumbles and I agree that "bigger" does not equal "better" when it comes to asparagus :-). We actually prefer asparagus spears that are on the smaller size as well think they taste sweeter.
What are spring onions?
Spring onions look like green onions (which are also referred to as scallions depending on where you live) but they have a large onion "bulb".
They both taste similarly but the green part of a spring onion has a bit stronger taste than a scallion.
If you can't find spring onions, feel free to replace them with scallions (AKA - green onions)
When using spring onions (or green onions) you want to use the all of the white part of the onion and only the first couple of inches of the green sections. Don't use the dark green sections as they don't have a very good flavour or texture.
Can I make this Warm Asparagus Salad recipe Plant-based, Vegan, Whole30, Paleo and Dairy-Free
You can absolutely omit the bacon to make this Warm Asparagus Salad vegan an plant-based.
I would suggest adding a little smoked paprika and add a little extra salt to your liking to replace the salt and smokiness that comes from bacon.
As for the butter, use olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil for dairy-free alternatives.
How can you toast pine nuts in the microwave?
- Spread the pine nuts in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on full power for 1 minute
- Stir the pine nuts and continue to microwave in 30 second intervals until slightly brown.
- BE CAREFUL AS THE PINE NUTS AND THE PLATE WILL BE VERY HOT
How can I make this Warm Bacon Asparagus Salad into a complete meal?
This warm asparagus salad becomes a complete meal with a few well chosen add ins like tuna and hard cooked egg, or turn it into an asparagus chicken salad using my Moist Dill Pickle-Brined Chicken.
How long can I store any leftovers?
Store any leftovers (although I doubt there will be any!) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Everyday that the salad is left, however, the asparagus will soften and lose their crispiness.
If you like this Keto Warm Asparagus Bacon Salad recipe, you may also enjoy:
Keto Maple Bacon Broccoli Salad
Warm Asparagus Bacon Salad
This Warm Bacon Asparagus Salad is not only Keto but can also easily be converted to a delicious Vegan, Plant-Based, paleo or Whole30 diet! Bright crunchy asparagus spears combined with delicious crunchy bacon and pine nut topping...What more could you want from a salad! This Warm Salad only takes minutes to make and is perfect to serve alongside a frittata for Brunch, a bowl of soup for lunch or any other main meal for dinner. Perfect for Easter or any other holiday!
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 oz chopped bacon
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb asparagus, woody ends trimmed and sliced into 2-inch pieces on the bias
- 4 spring onions, thinly sliced (whites and pale greens only)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
- salt and pepper to taste
- OPTIONAL - Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- In a large non-stick pan, saute bacon, stirring frequently over medium heat until crispy.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Add the asparagus and onion and saute until tender yet still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and toasted pine nuts and saute for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Season to taste with freshly ground pepper and salt and add shaved Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- be careful when toasting pine nuts as the plate will be very hot
- store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Holiday, Easter
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 133
- Sugar: 1.2
- Fat: 11.8
- Carbohydrates: 5.4
- Fiber: 1.8
- Protein: 5
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