Are you in a lunch rut? Tired of the same old sandwiches and salads that leave you hungry by 3 PM? Let’s shake things up with a gourmet yet simple-to-make Grilled Asparagus and Prosciutto Cobb Salad. This salad packs a punch of flavor, keeps your budget in check, and gets you through your busy week with a smile.
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Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 192mg | Sodium: 1043mg | Potassium: 825mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 2404IU | Vitamin C: 98mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 5mg
Why You’ll Love This Salad:
- Gourmet, Yet Simple: Feels like a restaurant dish but made in your own kitchen.
- Quick to Prepare: Minimal cooking involved, because I know your time is gold!
- Healthy & Filling: Balanced with greens, proteins, and a zesty homemade dressing.
- Budget-Friendly: Say goodbye to pricey lunches!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Asparagus: Asparagus is a powerhouse vegetable that’s not only low in calories but also rich in nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. When grilled, asparagus develops a pleasingly crisp texture and a smoky flavor that elevates this salad from simple to spectacular.
- Prosciutto: This Italian dry-cured ham adds a luxurious touch to any dish. It’s thin, savory, and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables. Prosciutto is also protein-rich, making it a great component for adding depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Eggs: Eggs are a budget-friendly protein source that bring richness and substance to the salad. The creamy yolks add a comforting element, balancing the crisp textures of the other ingredients, while the whites provide a lean protein boost that keeps you full and energized.
- Spring Mix: The blend of young, tender greens in a spring mix (like baby spinach, arugula, and romaine) offers not just a variety of textures and tastes but also a host of nutrients including iron, calcium, and vitamins. The mild and slightly peppery flavors of these greens create a fresh base for our heavier toppings.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Adding a burst of juiciness and sweetness, cherry tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and other antioxidants. They introduce a bright, tangy contrast to the salty prosciutto and rich eggs, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.
- Lemon: Lemon juice brings zest and vivacity to the salad, cutting through the richness of the prosciutto and eggs with its vibrant acidity. It’s also great for digestion and adds a dose of vitamin C.
- Honey: A touch of honey balances the tartness of the lemon and the sharpness of the mustard with its natural sweetness, rounding out the flavors in the dressing.
- Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt: These spices are used to season the asparagus and the dressing. Paprika adds a subtle warmth and color, garlic powder provides a savory depth, and salt enhances all the flavors in the salad.
How to Meal Prep this Healthy Lunch Salad
- Start by boiling your eggs for about 8 to 10 minutes. We want them just right – firm yet creamy. Once done, let them cool, then peel and halve. These beauties are going to add that rich, comforting texture to your salad.
- While your eggs are cooking, toss the asparagus spears in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Heat up your grill pan and give those spears a good char for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for tender but crisp with those irresistible grill marks.
- Whip up your dressing by combining lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk it up until it’s well blended. This dressing brings a bright and tangy flavor that ties all the components together beautifully.
- Lay down a bed of fresh spring mix. Arrange the grilled asparagus, slices of silky prosciutto, and your halved eggs over the greens. Scatter those juicy cherry tomatoes around for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad. Each bite will be a perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors – absolutely divine!
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Ingredient Swaps:
- Greens: Swap spring mix for kale, spinach, or romaine lettuce depending on availability and preference. Each brings a different texture and nutritional profile.
- Prosciutto: If prosciutto is too pricey or not available, try smoked turkey or even crispy bacon. For a vegetarian option, grilled halloumi or tofu can be delicious substitutes.
- Asparagus: Green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers are great alternatives that also grill beautifully.
- Eggs: For those avoiding eggs, chickpeas or cannellini beans can provide a similar protein boost with a different texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Feel free to swap these with any diced regular tomato, cucumbers, or even roasted red peppers for a change in flavor.
- Olive Oil: In the dressing, avocado oil is an excellent substitute, offering similar health benefits and a mild, neutral taste.
- Lemons: If lemons are out of reach, try using apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for that essential tangy component in your dressing.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar are perfect alternatives if you prefer a different kind of sweetness or have dietary restrictions.
- Dijon Mustard: If Dijon isn’t your favorite, try using whole grain mustard for a bit more texture and a milder taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have a grill pan?
No grill pan? No problem! You can roast the asparagus in the oven or even use a regular skillet on the stove. The key is to cook it at high heat to achieve a bit of char.
Can I add other proteins to this salad?
Yes, this salad is versatile. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even steak are great proteins to add for variety and to make the meal more filling.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is ideal for grilling as it maintains a better texture and flavor. However, if only frozen is available, thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before grilling.
Grilled Asparagus and Prosciutto Cobb Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
Salad Dressing
Instructions
Eggs
Grilled Asparagus
Salad Dressing
Notes
Nutrition